Ms. Mary Bell Adams
Ms. Mary Bell Adams passed away on Monday, October 11, 2021 at Washington County Regional Medical Center. Graveside services were held on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 3:00 PM at Zion Hope Baptist Church with Rev. Rev. Grady L. Bell officiating
On April 2, 1939, Mr. Oscar Rowling “Burke” Adams and Mrs. Celia Mae Tucker Adams celebrated the birth of their oldest daughter, Mary Bell, in Tennille, Georgia. Through the next twenty-two years, she became the “Big Sister” to ten other siblings. Her parents, an infant brother who was born before her and a toddler sister, Janelle, preceded her in death.
In the footsteps of her mother, she began her education at the Tucker School in Wrightsville, Georgia under the leadership of Professor John D. Tucker, her great uncle. She also attended Ohoopee Baptist Church School, Tennille Elementary (name later changed to DD Crawford Elementary) and TJ Elder High School where she graduated in the class of 1958. She believed in furthering one’s education and thereby inspired generations to attend college. She financially and physically supported each sibling, her son Keith, and several nieces and nephews who attended college.
She was an active member of Zion Hope Baptist Church for her entire spiritual journey. She supported the church in all its services to better the lives of the community. Of special note was establishing and serving as President of ZHBC Choir and working tirelessly to ensure that it was properly equipped. She also served faithfully as a Senior Usher for over forty (40) years and as a representative at the Usher Board convention comprised of Burnette Grove AME, Greater New Hope, Samuel Grove and Zion Hope Baptist Churches. She retired from the Washington County Health Department after thirty-four years of loyal, dependable and committed service to the Washington County Community.
Mother Mary Bell was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, auntie, cousin, great auntie, great-great auntie and friend. She was the primary care giver for both her parents. Her devotion extended to individuals and families in the community and especially her ZHBC family.
On the evening of Monday, October 11, 2021, she was ushered into her heavenly home just as beautifully and orderly as she had ushered many into ZHBC and other community churches. She was steadfast, unmovable and always abounding in love, truth, honesty, support and a heart filled with well wishes for the success of others. Her advice and admonishments were given in a straightforward, yet kind manner. We were always amazed and amused at her candid humor.
She is survived by her son: Mr. Keith S. Adams, Tennille, Georgia; sisters: Mrs. Gladine Roddie, Mrs. Theresa A. Stephens, Tennille, Georgia, Mrs. Mildred (Willie) Chapman Queens, New York, Mrs. Angelia A. (Jerome) Holmes, Augusta, Georgia; brothers: Mr. Oscar R. Adams, Jr., Newark, New Jersey, Mr. Ronnie Adams, Mr. Willie F. (Edna) Adams, Mr. Jimmy Brinson, Tennille, Georgia, Mr. John (Glenwood) Adams, Rockaway Beach, New York, Rev. Eric T. (Sandra) Adams, Augusta, Georgia; aunts: Mrs. Ella Bell Tucker, Jacksonville, Florida, Mrs. Alice Tucker, Baltimore, Maryland; special cousin: Ms. Alvon Hunter, Dublin, Georgia; special friend: Ms. Mamie Scott; several nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews, the Hurst Family; and a host of other relatives and friends. M. C. Smith Funeral Home in charge.
