Mrs. Betty Lee Adams

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” - Proverbs 3:5-8

Mrs. Betty Lee Adams, 77, of 2210 Bishop Street, Petersburg, VA, gained her wings to live with the Lord on the morning of December 4, 2024, after carrying the cross of several serious medical conditions at Chippenham Hospital surrounded by her devoted daughters.

Mrs. Adams graduated from Southside High School, Pittsylvania County, VA in 1967. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Mr. Jesse Adams, Jr. Her husband’s military career granted opportunities to circle the world and ended at Fort Gregg-Adams, VA (formerly known as Fort Lee) in 1984.

Mrs. Adams began her employment at Petersburg City Public Schools in 1985. She was lovingly called the “Cafeteria Lady” from elementary to high school students till her retirement in 2015 and afterwards. This employment exemplified her love for children and cooking. Mrs. Adams was wholeheartedly dedicated to ensuring children were fed a hot and delicious meal (whether a student could pay or not). She would spend hours talking about the meals that were prepared for the students and the faculty. This was more than an employment; this was a labor of love. Mrs. Adams made an enormous impact through her entertaining conversations and meals made with love.

Mrs. Adams’ love for the Lord began at an early age. She joined Mount Olivet Baptist Church, Petersburg, VA in 1993 and remained a faithful member until her health began to decline. Mrs. Adams loved her church family and her Pastor, Rev. Dr. Wesley K. McLaughlin. She took pride in telling persons that her Pastor and her shared the same hometown, Danville, VA. In addition, Mrs. Adams was honored to be a member of the Pastor Aide Ministry (greater than 25 years). She spread the love of cooking throughout the church with her sweets. Pound cakes were her specialty. You were in for a treat to get a slice.

Mrs. Adams loved on her family and friends, that became family. She was cooking large Sunday meals until her health decline. Mrs. Adams’ doors were open to all to receive a delicious meal, laughter, and conversation. Her daughters’ friends lovingly called her Ma Betty because she treated everyone as her child. Her generosity was unmatched. Mrs. Adams was small in stature, however, had a giant heart.

She is now reunited with her daughter, Tanja Adams; sister, Audrey Culbreth; brother, Willie Carter and sister-in-law, Brenda (Joyce) Adams.

Left to cherish her memories is her loving husband, Jesse Adams, Jr. of Petersburg, VA; two daughters, Rita Adams Charles (Norven) of Henrico, VA and Tammy Adams of North Chesterfield, VA; dedicated bonus daughters, Shikela and Shiolen Robertson both of Petersburg, VA and Jennifer Finley of Beacon, NY; devoted grandchildren, Nico and Niya Charles both of Henrico, VA; brother-in-law, Augusta Adams (Joyce) of Danville, VA; sister, Pathenia Lea of Hyattsville, MD; caring long-time friends, Antrynet Elston, Deborah Sykes, Naomi Pair, Diane Robinson and the Pastor’s Aide Ministry; and a host of loving family members and friends too numerous to name.

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Mount Olivet Baptist Church, 800 Augusta Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Wesley K. McLaughlin, Pastor, eulogist. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.

Funeral Information is courtesy of Fulton-Walton Funeral Home of Yanceyville, NC & Eden, NC.

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