Junior Adolphus Coombs

Junior Adolphus Coombs, age 76, of Douglasville passed away on Wednesday, December 20, 2023.

Junior Adolphus Coombs of Douglasville, Georgia was born on February 23, 1947, near Castries, St. Lucia, in the British West Indies to Mary Maxwell and Officer Coombs. He was the first of seven children. At an early age Junior was sent to live with his aunt, Aileen Coombs, near Kingstown, St. Vincent, British West Indies who treated him as her own son. After attending a private primary school and receiving high marks in his classes, he matriculated into the island’s leading high school, the Saint Vincent Grammar School, where he continued to excel. At a young age Junior took up the piano and guitar, eventually becoming a lifelong music enthusiast—most notably of jazz and calypso. He also participated in various sports including running, which ultimately became one of his favorite hobbies.

In 1969 Junior migrated to New York City where he attended and graduated from the New York School of Business and Pace University. Junior was multi-talented and thrived in the city—becoming the quintessential New Yorker. In the 1970’s he married Shirley Franklin and to this union came Candice Natasha, to whom he poured his affection. Junior joined the Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) workforce where he would excel in various positions. He received extensive training from the FRB and Rutgers University where he enrolled in the Supervisory and Management Development Program. While at the FRB, Junior received multiple President’s Awards for Outstanding Contributions. In addition to receiving many accolades, Junior was ultimately appointed Supervisor of the Check Services Department.

In the early 1980’s Junior married Judith Tom of Trinidad and to this union came Ingrid Aileen, whom he adored. From an early age he encouraged her pursuit of music—introducing her to the piano and violin. In 1984 the family moved from Brooklyn to Rosedale, Queens and later to Nesconset, Long Island where Judith taught in the Westbury School district. Junior continued at the Federal Reserve Bank in Manhattan now with even greater responsibilities having to oversee offices as far away as Upstate New York and New Jersey.

Junior and Judith both retired from their work and decided to establish roots in Douglasville, a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, in 2005 where they enjoyed exploring all their new town had to offer. In retirement, Junior became an avid gardener—winning prizes for having the best lawn and garden in his community. He annually planted a variety of flowers; and grew an impressive kitchen garden that produced tomatoes, squash, chiles, and scotch bonnet peppers which he regularly used in his cooking. Junior also appreciated high performance German automobile engineering and often took to the open road in one of these trusted vehicles. Alongside Judith, they embarked on countless road trips to national parks and famed landmarks hitting almost each state along the Eastern seaboard and in the South. They also enjoyed several Caribbean cruises visiting various island destinations. As a faithful long-distance runner Junior visited his favorite gymnasium almost daily where he made many friends; and on two occasions ran and completed the 10K Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race.

Junior was very proud to be a doting grandfather to Christian (Candice), Ava (Ingrid), and Sydney (Candice). For example, never failing to await Ava’s arrival each day after elementary school.

He leaves to cherish his memory—his mother, Mary Maxwell; dear wife, Judith Coombs; children: Candice Davies (son-in-law, Jerry), Jasmine Persaud, and Ingrid Coombs; grandchildren: Christian, Ava, and Sydney; siblings: Julian, Monty, Stanley, Gigi, and Charmaine; Godson, John; nieces and nephews; in-laws; faithful friends; and numerous others whose lives he touched.

A visitation for Junior will be held Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Whitley-Garner at Rosehaven Funeral Home, 8640 Rose Avenue, Douglasville, Georgia 30134.

Following the visitation will be a celebration of life at 12:00 PM at Rosehaven Chapel, 8640 Rose Avenue, Douglasville, Georgia 30134.

For those unable to attend the service in person, you may view the Livestream from the online obituary page at www.whitleygarner.com

Whitley-Garner at Rosehaven is honored to be entrusted with the services of Junior Adolphus Coombs.