Dorothy Mae Adams

Dorothy Mae Adams was born on April 6, 1935, to the union of Christopher C. and Henrene H. Adams in Jackson, Mississippi. She was the first of 4 siblings, soon followed by Thelma, Christopher, Jr., and Christine a few years later. Christopher, Jr. passed away at an early age in 1943.

The children enjoyed a rich family life in Jackson and the family was active in Pratt Methodist Church. At an early age Dorothy was involved in the church choir, the Methodist Youth Fellowship, and other program activities.

Education was of paramount importance to the family. In search of better job opportunities and education for their children, the Adams family moved to Elyria, Ohio in 1953. Soon after arriving there, the family joined Second Methodist Church.

Dorothy started her college education at Tougaloo College in Jackson, MS and once in Ohio completed her degree in education at Central State. During her college years she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

In 1956, Dorothy moved to Cleveland and started her teaching career at Hough Elementary and later transferred to John W. Raper Elementary. She became a member of Mount Zion Congregational Church and loved singing in the choir. Dororthy continued her education at Cleveland State receiving her Master's in Education. She became an active member of the Cleveland Teacher's Union and a Recruiter for the Cleveland Unified School District. This led to her becoming a member of many community and neighborhood organizations to enhance, uplift, and improve the city of Cleveland which she called home.

As an advocate of democracy, Dorothy believed in serving people and taking actions to facilitate change to make an impact on society. She was a proud supporter of the Democratic Party contributing where she could to various local and regional campaign efforts.

Coupled with this commitment she joined and was an outstanding and active member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). As a member she worked with the political action committees, supporting their voter empowerment initiatives through voter awareness drives and registration.

As president of the Herrick Road/East Boulevard Street Club since 1993, she spearheaded a $5,000 community garden at Yale Avenue and Herrick Road that was grant-funded by the Cleveland Foundation/Neighborhood Connections.  Her service recognition in the neighborhood includes: a 2016 Cornerstone Award from the Famicos Foundation; Citizen-At-Large Trustee of the Doan Brook Partnership Board; member of the Glenville Development Corporation Hall of Fame for Legacy and Education; Treasurer of the Sixth District Community Relations Committee; member of the African American Cultural Gardens Development Task Force; Ward 8 Citizen Recognition Award; American Federation of Teachers 40 Years of Service Award; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Sisterhood Award and Exemplary Service Award; and the Commander’s Award for the 6th Police District (now the 5th District).

Dorothy was married to the late Robert (Bob) Rose Jr., from 1971-1975 at the Mt. Zion Congregational Church in Cleveland, Ohio. Later she wed the late Tom Barns at the Adams Family Home in Elyria, Ohio from 1980-1986.

Dorothy's transition occurred on April 18, 2024. She leaves to celebrate her life: a loving son, Robert H. Rose III (Tisha); granddaughters, Jennifer and Maya of Arizona.; nephew, Chris Adams (Misty), of Ohio; great-nephew, Dale Ray; nephew, James Mandell of Minnesota; great-niece, Raiah and great-nephew, Emerson.; her devoted care giver and friend, Dr. Natalie Thomas-Feagin; The Williams family and a host of many other relatives and friends.

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