Theodore Rosevelt Adams

A funeral service for Theodore will be held Monday, January 15, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Eternal Hills Funeral Home, 3594 Stone Mountain Hwy, Snellville, GA 30039

Celebration of Life

Theodore Rosevelt Adams

September 8, 1941- January 6, 2024

Theodore Rosevelt Adams, affectionately known as Teddy, came into the world on September 8, 1941, to the late James Daniel Adams and the late Mabel Arneas Russ Adams in Council, North Carolina. He was born the second of four children; brother James (Jack) Adams, sister Delores (DeeBee) Adams, and brother Jerry Adams.

In search of opportunities, James and Mabel moved the family to Brooklyn, New York, but Teddy still stayed strongly connected to his family in both Council, North Carolina and Newark, New Jersey throughout his childhood.

From his youth, family meant the world to Teddy, spending summers and holidays with his siblings, and a host of cousins, uncles and aunts with his grandmother, Icephine Russ, in Council, North Carolina, whom he adored , honored and held in the highest regard. Teddy’s love for his grandmother was shared throughout the years, with stories of his youth and times growing up with her. Teddy shared these stories over a lifetime to assure that her memory lived on through the younger generations of his family.

Teddy had a robust sense of humor and was known as a great storyteller, sharing history, life lessons and providing guidance to those in need. Teddy graduated with a diploma from East New York Vocational High School.

In December 1963, Teddy enlisted in the United States Marines Corp and served two tours in the Vietnam War. A dedicated soldier, Teddy was honorably discharged as a Sergeant and decorated with the Rifle Marksman Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. Stories of his time abroad in the military resonated throughout the family, as he recounted intimate details of his service, which would captivate an entire room.

During his military service Teddy married his high school sweetheart, Janas Wilson, a Brooklyn native. God gifted their union with two children, Sabrina Adams and Mark Adams

Teddy and Janas were devoted to their family and to aid in building a strong foundation for their children, they bought a home in St. Albans, Queens in New York City. This blessed union fostered bountiful accomplishments and memories for 45 years until Janas’ untimely passing in 2011.

Teddy began a career with the New York City Department of Corrections, and upon his early retirement as a disabled officer, he knew there was more he wanted to accomplish.

As a strong advocate for education, Teddy stood firmly in the importance of continually building and growing one's self. With this in mind for himself, Teddy set his sights on a new career, and enrolled in The State University of New York, and on May 27, 2000 he graduated with an Associates Degree in Culinary Arts at the tender age of 58.

Teddy leaves to mourn his sister, Delores Adams, daughter, Sabrina Adams, son, Mark Adams, and four granddaughters: Avery Colleen Adams, Gabrielle Elizabeth Adams, Alyse Janas Adams, and Addison Arneas Adams.

In addition to his immediate family, Teddy loved and was loved by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.

Memorial Gifts

Instead of flowers The family requests that donations be sent to The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

You can honor Founding Member Theodore R. Adams' memory by making a gift in your name to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Your contribution will support the Museum and provide Mr. Adams with a lasting legacy at the Museum.

Donations in Memory of Theodore Adams

Honoree Gift Type: In Memory of

Recipient email address: [email protected]

Or Mail donation in Memory of Theodore Adams to:

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

1400 Constitution Ave. NW,

Washington, DC 20560