Mr.Jesse Adams Jr.

 Petersburg, Va. - Mr. Jesse Adams, Jr., 84, of 2210 Bishop Street, Petersburg, Virginia, gained his wings to live with the Lord on the morning of July 8, 2026. Jesse peacefully entered eternal rest at Lucy Corr Rehabilitation Center, surrounded by God's grace and the love of those who cherished him.

Mr. Adams graduated from Southside High School in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, in 1962. In August 1969, he married the love of his life, Betty, and together they shared 55 wonderful years of marriage, bound by an unbreakable bond, unwavering devotion, and unconditional love until Betty was called home to be with the Lord. Their marriage was a beautiful testament to faith, commitment, and partnership. Today, they are reunited once again, together for eternity, resting in the loving presence of the Lord.

In 1962, Mr. Adams proudly answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army, where he dedicated his life to honorable service. Throughout his distinguished military career, he exemplified integrity, discipline, and unwavering commitment to duty. His assignments took him and his family around the world, allowing them to experience many cultures while faithfully serving wherever he was called.

Mr. Adams proudly served his country in the United States Army for over two decades, exemplifying courage, leadership, and selfless service. During his distinguished military career, he completed two tours in Vietnam and successfully completed numerous specialized training programs that strengthened his expertise and leadership. His exemplary service was recognized with many prestigious military honors, including the Bronze Star Medal, awarded for meritorious service in a combat zone, and the Purple Heart, one of the nation's most revered military decorations, recognizing those wounded in combat. These distinguished honors reflect his extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to his fellow Soldiers and the nation he proudly served.  He also received Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, along with numerous additional awards and commendations.  Committed to excellence, continuous learning, and professional development, Mr. Adams successfully completed numerous specialized military training programs throughout his Army career. His training included Scout Dog Training, Machinist Course, Redeye Missile System Control Course, Management of Practices in TOE Units, Air Assault School, the Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course (ANCOC). These advanced courses strengthened his technical expertise, leadership abilities, and operational readiness, contributing to his distinguished record of military service.

His military service concluded at Fort Lee, Virginia, where he honorably retired in 1984 after years of faithful and distinguished service to his country. His military legacy remains a lasting testament to a life of honor, sacrifice, patriotism, and unwavering devotion to the nation he proudly served.

Although he retired from active duty, he never retired from serving others. He remained a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and faithful friend. His life was defined by honor, humility, and an unwavering commitment to family, faith, and country.

Following his honorable retirement from the United States Army in 1984, Mr. Adams began a new chapter with Richard L. Browder Construction, where he dedicated nearly 20 years of hard work and craftsmanship. He genuinely loved working with his hands, and if he wasn't on the job, you could often find him in the yard repairing cars, cutting grass, or meticulously trimming hedges. He found joy in staying busy and took great pride in every task he completed.

One of Mr. Adams' greatest passions was cooking, especially behind the grill or deep fryer. Whether he was grilling for family gatherings or frying up his famous fish and biscuits, he poured love into every meal he prepared. He faithfully volunteered his talents for Mount Olivet Baptist Church Pastor's Aide cookouts and gatherings, MC/SC club carwashes, and countless family events. If there was a fish fry, everyone knew "Monsta" would be there.

Affectionately known as "Monsta," the nickname was lovingly given to him by his twin bonus daughters when they first began talking. The name quickly became one embraced by family and friends alike, and he answered it every time with pride, laughter, and his signature smile. More than a nickname, "Monsta" reflected the larger-than-life love, generosity, and unforgettable presence he brought to everyone, fortunate enough to know him.

He is now reunited with his parents, Jesse Adams, Sr. and Bessie Adams-Carter; wife, Betty Adams; daughter, Tanja Adams; brother, Augusta Adams; sister, Roxy Adams; and sister-in-law, Brenda (Joyce) Adams.

Left to cherish his memories is his three daughters, Jennifer Finley of Beacon, NY, Rita Adams Charles (Norven) of Henrico, VA and Tammy Adams of North Chesterfield, VA; dedicated bonus twin daughters, Shikela and Shiolen Robertson both of Petersburg, VA; devoted grandchildren, Nico and Niya Charles both of Henrico, VA, Jessica Finley  of Beacon, NY and Shalanda Gedin of Chattanooga, TN; great grandchildren, Anissa Hall of Brooklyn, NY and Joi Finley of Beacon, NY; sister-in-law, Pathenia Lea of Hyattsville, MD; caring long-time friend, Antroynet Elston; and a host of loving family members and friends too numerous to name.

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Third Baptist Church, 550 Farmer Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Kassandra Bullock, Pastor, the Rev. Dr. Tyrone Jackson, Jr., eulogist. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page.

Information Courtesy of Fulton-Walton Funeral Home.

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