Effie E. Adams

Our beloved mother and friend Effie Estella (Berry) Adams 88 transitioned peacefully to be with the Lord Tuesday, August 19, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 21, 1937, in Princess Anne County, formerly known as Virginia Beach, VA. To the late Zion Hall Berry Sr. and Melissa Elizabeth (Wilson) Berry.

Effie grew up in Virginia Beach and attended Seatack Elementary School, and Princess Anne Training School. At an early age she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and attended Mount Olive Baptist Church for many years.

After graduating high school Effie met and married the love of her life Johnnie C. Adams Sr. (Cusetta GA.) God blessed them with seven children Keith Adams (Gabriella) Italy, Johnnie C. Adams Jr. Minnesota, Antonio Adams (Deceased), Olympia Leonard, Virginia Beach, Vincent Adams (Delia)Texas, Eric Adams, Washington, DC., Christopher Adams, Virginia Beach.

Effie became an Officers Wife at Fort Story, VA. Supporting her husband’s 20 year career. She has worked for the STOP Organization for 22 years creating and preparing nutritional menus throughout the Hampton Roads area. Effie took pride and oversaw Elections for the Seatack Community for 32 years with her sister Mildred Lassiter assisting her.

Returning to her roots. Effie joined Rehoboth Baptist Church and became an active member of several auxiliaries. She truly enjoyed singing in the choir and was the treasurer for the Senior Ministry. In 2013, She was honored in a Woman of God ceremony hosted by the church. She loved the Lord and her church family.

She is predeceased by her siblings: Ruth E. Smith, Zion H. Berry Jr., Mildred M. Lassiter, and Ernest Hughes Sr., A son: Antonio Adams. Grandson: Jordan Carson Adams. She is survived by five sons and one daughter. She is survived by thirteen grandchildren, Vincent Joseph (Bethany), Kyle Adams (Delisha), Olympia Eklund (Jessie), Jarrett Anderson (Amanda), Stephanie Adams, Andre Adams (Mariana), Hamilton T. Smith, Michael Adams, Matthew Easter, Malcolm Smith, Eva Adams, Malaya Adams. Twelve great grandchildren: Keyana, Antonio, Amira, Keely, Jordan Jr., Emma, Ariel, Dasan, Marley, Zoe, Julien, and Luna; and a host of nieces’ nephews and friends.

Effie was an amazing woman of God. Full of life and love that she filtered to any and everyone she met. She never knew a stranger. To children, she gave the best hugs and to her family she loved us to live. There was always music and happiness in our home, and her favorite pastime was (BINGO). She cooked with so much love and made the best hot rolls on this side of Hampton Roads. She taught us how to love, how to forgive, how to navigate this thing called life.

We want to thank her caretaker Shanta Lassiter-Jones for loving and taking care of our beloved mother, attending to her needs ten plus years, we also thank her special niece Beverly Berry-Ricks for the love and support she gave her aunt over the years. To my brothers who visited mom when they were able thank you, but especially to Chris thank you brother for helping your sister take excellent care of your mom. You did an amazing job.