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CLARA ADAMS Obituary
CLARA VICTORIA ADAMS (Brooks)
Passed to glory on October 27, 2014 after a lengthy illness. She was 65. Born November 2, 1948 to Laura Rachel Brooks and Frederick Miles (both deceased), she graduated from Anacostia High School and the Washington School for Secretaries (WSS). In 1966 she began working as a clerk typist for the U.S. Coast Guard at the Washington Navy Yard. In 1973 she began working at the US Department of Justice Appellate Division, rising to the Supervisor of the Paralegal support staff. She received several awards for excellence before retiring on disability in 2002. Fiercely loyal to family, she was a role model and helped many youngsters who lost their way or had troubled beginnings. She is survived by the love of her life, Melvin Adams; daughter, Victoria Adams; stepdaughter, Angela Adams; sons, John, Darius and Leavon Adams; brother, James Brooks; sister, Mary Brooks; nephew, James Brooks, Jr., niece, Debra K. Adams; brother-in-law, Sam Adams; Washington and Johnson Families, and many other loved ones. Services Friday, November 7, 2014 at New Song Bible Fellowship Church, 11911 Lanham-Severn Rd., Bowie, MD 20720. Viewing 10 a.m.; services 11 a.m. Services provided by J.B. Jenkins Funeral Home. Donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for CLARA ADAMS
Robert Kopp
October 25, 2020
I worked with Clara for more years than I can now remember at Civil Appellate in DOJ. She was such a pleasure to be with and a person who made things work. I am very glad to have known her and to have benefited from her knowledge and skills.
Judy Nelson
November 10, 2014
MY TRIBUTE TO CLARA
Hi Adams Family
I would love to say that your Lovely Wife, Mother, Sister, Aunt, Godmother and Dear Friends, Clara hired me to work at Department of Justice back in September 1987. She was truly a woman of “Excellence” who trained all of her support staff colleagues to walk in “her footsteps” of Quality, Integrity, and Exceptional performance. She trained me to be an excellent secretary for Department of Justice. She was a true “Drill Sargent of Arms” -- she earned her Metal of Honor! I can honestly say that her professional dedication speaks for her as an angel on earth as well as in heaven now with her wings! I'm truly proud to have been under the wings of this wonderful woman -- the “one and only Clara Adams.” She will be greatly missed by all those she has touched in her life time!
Sincerely your,
Judy M. Nelson
37981 Lawrence Place
Mechanicsville, MD 20659
November 7, 2014
November 8, 2014
Melvin, Vicky, and family,
I worked with Clara for her entire career with the Appellate Staff. The comments of Shirley Thompson and Penny Miller accurately capture the spirit of Clara at work, and the important contributions that Clara made to our workplace and to our representation of the people of the United States. As they observe, the standards of her work ethic were "high and non-negotiable." She was indeed one of those extraordinary and dedicated public servants who "made a major difference." She was a remarkable leader of the Support Staff and was recognized for establishing the highest standard of professional excellence. The work done under Clara's leadership got done correctly and on time. My job as head of the office would have been much more difficult without her contribution. I am very fortunate that I had the opportunity to have worked with her for nearly three decades. She will never be forgotten by those of us who had the honor to work with her.
With deepest sympathy,
Robert Kopp
B Cagle
November 7, 2014
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. May God comfort you during this difficult time. 2Corr 1:3,4
Sheila Strickland
November 7, 2014
Sending love, prayers and hugs to to Melvin, Vickie and John, Leavon and Darius.
Shirley Thompson
November 6, 2014
OUR TRIBUTE TO CLARA
“Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom;
fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.” [Romans 13:7 (KJV)]
We can only speak for ourselves. This is to say, we remember the well-organized Support Staff (i.e., consisting of Dockets, Staff Assistant, Secretaries and Paralegals) she established as a uniform part of the Appellate Staff. The standards of the work ethic were high and non-negotiable. Thus, there were always numerous requests over the years for our Support Staff's assistance on projects outside of Appellate, extending to other Civil Division branches, as well as -- some of the more high-ranking offices of the Department of Justice.
As a vital member of the Appellate Staff, Clara's
professional legacy of excellence has not been forgotten by those who worked closely with her. She was a great mentor, and her many contributions to the Appellate Staff are worth remembering because they made a major differences.
With great respect -- thank you Clara -- we have not forgotten. You were the best.
With our deepest sympathy,
Shirley Thompson
(Appellate Support Staff)
&
Penny Miller
(formerly of the Appellate Support Staff)
Ethel Haynes
November 5, 2014
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Phyllis Murphy
November 4, 2014
To the family of the worlds' best sister-in-law- Thanks for being the support network for such an amazing lady. She was the embodiment of spark, spirit, sass and sophistication like no other. She lived fully, loved without reservation and demonstrated loyalty with every breath. She will be dearly missed.
November 4, 2014
With deepest sympathy,
Charlene Briggs-Plunkett
U.S. Department of Justice
Shirley Royster
November 4, 2014
To Melvin and Family
Clara was a wonderful person, she will be missed. May God Bless and keep you in his loving care doing this time, God never makes a mistake.
Timeka Adams
November 3, 2014
Aunt Clara you will truly be missed. Although we didn't get a lot of time together the time we did share will always be memorable. Loving you always Mikey....
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J. B. Jenkins Funeral Home, Inc. - Hyattsville7474 Landover Road, Hyattsville, MD 20785
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