Dora LaSherise Adams
“And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman.”
Ruth 3:11 (NKJV)
It has been proven time and again that our world is void of the unique personalities required to love the lost, encourage the dismayed and empower the weak. The sum toll of these rare attributes requires a soul that is unassuming and driven by God’s grace, fearlessness and unconditional love.
Author, Gina Carey once noted, when describing the enduring persistence and fearlessness of a strong woman when she penned, “A strong woman looks a challenge in the eye and gives it a wink.” The aforementioned words both appropriately and uniquely describes the wife, mother and friend we know intimately as Dora LaSherise Adams.
Born on August 15, 1964 in St. Augustine, Florida to Roland Jenkins and Sandra Young (Bevel), it was then that Dora Young, affectionately known as “Sherri” began a life of humility and service. Dora’s grandmother, the late Annie Laura Young was an important support system and sounding board for her. Her wisdom and uncompromised discipline helped to craft a woman of admiration, persistence, and faith.
Dora’s life story is significant in that her commitment was to all persons, even those not in her intimate circle of family and friends. This was indeed extraordinary. This exceptional woman was proudly connected to her faith and her family, eagerly embracing her Godly purpose and mission as a worshiper, worker, and woman of faith.
Dora matriculated through the Duval County Public School System where she was nurtured, encouraged and when necessary, chastised. Her high school studies would eventually conclude at the historic William M. Raines High School, earning her high school diploma in 1982.
With much left to accomplish, Dora set out to distinguish herself by attending the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. It was in Gator country where her greatest find would occur as she met the equally focused and talented Andre Adams during the summer of 1982. It is also where she would find her passion and ever-present love for serving people. Dora would go on to work at Southern Bell while in Gainesville. With her focus sharpened, she also learned the redeeming value of good decision-making. Dora would eventually earn an Associate of Science degree in Legal Assisting in 1997 from the Florida Community College in Jacksonville, Florida.
Dora entered the workforce as an intern with Duval County’s Family Court Services Division as a paralegal and served in this role for just over four years. Throughout her career, Dora would go on to receive various commendations for her high levels of integrity, diligence, and professionalism. After nearly fourteen years as an Accounts Payable Associate II with Veritiv (formerly Unisource/Encardia), she retired deeply fulfilled from her life’s work.
Confirmed in her youth, Dora loved and served God, freely giving of herself along with her time, talent, and treasure as a member of the New Mount Lilla Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Florida under the able leadership of Pastor Samuel Norris. She understood even in her adolescence that her life would ultimately be defined by how she served God’s people. Dora’s steady kindness towards others made her both wise and impactful beyond her years.
During her young adult years, Dora’s spiritual growth was entrusted to the late, Apostle Ronald Thomas, pastor of the Agape Faith Center of Gainesville, Florida. While under watch-care, she served in the Hospital Ministry, faithfully visiting and praying with the infirmed and hospital-bound members of her church as well as with others she encountered.
It is noteworthy that Dora worshipped at impactful ministries throughout her life including; Tabernacle Baptist Institutional Church where she was equipped for the road of service ahead of her. It was at Tabernacle where Pastor Michael Edwards encouraged her to relish her unique gift of selfless service to others. She did that as a member of the Event and Decorations Ministry by lending her creativity to the development of amazing décors for special events on the church calendar.
Dora also labored at Joint Heirs Ministries in Jacksonville, Florida led by Pastor David Thomas. It was there that she worked in the Hospitality Ministry. At the time of her passing, Dora was an active member of Jacksonville’s Excel Church under the spiritual leadership of Pastor Derrick Raines.
Dora’s passion for serving others manifested itself in the form of her very own event planning company, Charity Delectables. Additionally, she cherished those moments when she could engage in the creation of arts and crafts with and for her family and close friends.
Convinced of God’s promise, Andre Edward Adams “found his good thing” in Dora Young and they began a passionate engagement which resulted in holy matrimony on July 19, 1986. God honored and blessed their martial union with two children - Andre Edward Jr. and Charity Shari.
On Sunday, December 16, 2018, Dora has left behind the pain, sadness, and disappointment of this world. She quickly moved from time to eternity, there to claim her eternal rest. She is now present with the Lord. Dora was preceded in death by her sister, Angie Parks and God-son, Stevie Quarterman.
Dora leaves precious memories with her loving husband, Andre E. Adams, Sr., son, Andre E. Adams, Jr., daughter, Charity S. Adams, grandchildren, Alayna & Zaniya Adams, mother, Sandra Bevel, stepfather, John Bevel, father, Roland Jenkins, brother, Anthony Arnett Parks, great aunts, Ethel Jean Kendricks and Frances Cook, great uncle, Michael Trimmings (Carolyn), aunts, Annette Brown and Janet McClendon Dennis, uncle, Frank Jenkins, father-in-law, Larry Adams, Sr., sisters-in-law, Sabrina Adams and Elisha Adams, brother-in-law, Larry Adams, Jr. (Yolanda), nieces, Chanel Parks, Cydney Parks, Kamille Parks, Jania Joseph (Caleb), Sanai Miller, nephews, Bradley Parks, Aaron Parks, Mikah Parks, cousins, Gavin Brown (Tuanshanita), Lorne Dennis, and Earl Dennis.
Additionally, a host of other innumerable sorrowing relatives, loved ones, church members, friends, well-wishers and prayer warriors continue to embrace precious memories of this generous soul.
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