Rev. Joanna Moseley Adams

Joanna was born October 17, 1944, at Emory Hospital, the daughter of the late Clement C. Moseley and Helen Flanders Moseley. She spent most of her childhood in Meridian, MS.

She is survived by her husband, Alfred B. Adams, III, daughter Elizabeth T. Adams (Teresa K. Morrison), son Samuel L. Adams (Helen Bell Adams), grandchildren Virginia and Charlie Adams, and brother, Dr. Jack Moseley.

Joanna and Al’s Atlanta roots run deep. They were born just a month apart at Emory Hospital, delivered by the same obstetrician, and met as undergraduates at Emory University. They shared 60 magical years together and especially enjoyed traveling, exploring Atlanta’s incredible restaurants, and relaxing on Saint Simons Island.

A graduate of Emory University and Columbia Theological Seminary, Joanna was a preacher, pastor, and teacher known for building bridges. Among the first women ordained as a minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), she served churches in Atlanta (Central Presbyterian, North Decatur Presbyterian, Trinity Presbyterian, Morningside Presbyterian, First Presbyterian) and Chicago (Fourth Presbyterian). She was a pastor to thousands of Atlantans and treasured her relationships with the congregations she served. Rev. Adams was involved in starting more than a dozen non-profit initiatives, including Intown Cares, the Agape Center, and the Georgia Committee for Religious Liberty. In the 1980s she recognized Atlanta’s growing homeless population and founded the night shelter at Central Presbyterian Church, which became a template for other churches and organizations in creating a sustainable and welcoming space for the unhoused. Rev. Adams coordinated a series of dialogues with Jewish and Muslim leaders in Atlanta called Higher Ground, which encouraged civil discourse. She has served on numerous boards, including Our House, the first center in Dekalb County for homeless children and their families. She has received numerous awards and accolades, never losing momentum toward the next project. She was especially proud of her recent work with 100 Miles on the Georgia coast and Skyland Trail, which helps Atlantans struggling with mental health issues.

Joanna was known in Atlanta and beyond as a gifted preacher and storyteller. She preached at the National Cathedral, the Memorial Church of Harvard University, and the Chautauqua Institution, but she cherished more than anything else her longstanding relationship with multiple communities of faith in Atlanta. She loved leading worship on Sunday mornings and walking with her congregations through all the cycles of their lives. A collection of her sermons will be published next year.

A family visitation will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church (3003 Howell Mill Road NW, Atlanta, GA) from 5 pm to 7 pm on Thursday, September 3. A service of witness to the resurrection will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church on Friday, September 4 at 11 am. A reception honoring the life of Joanna will be held at the church following the service.

Donations in Joanna’s memory can be made to Skyland Trail, 100 Miles, or Intown Cares.