May God bless you and your...

Truly we will all miss this minister of God of Corinthian BaptistChurch. My condolences go out to his children and other family members.
Donnie Richardson
August 16, 2020 | Philadelphia, PA | Friend
Photo courtesy of Beckett-Brown & Hodges Funeral Home - Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nov 22, 1927 – Aug 3, 2020 (Age 92)
Charles Elmer Adams was the fourth child born to Charles and Sarah Adams on November 22, 1927 in Bridgeton, NJ. He grew up going to school and working on his father’s farm, which he enjoyed. Charles moved to Philadelphia, PA in the 1940’s and attended South Philadelphia High School for two years. In July 1946, Charles enlisted in the U.S. Army and served three years in Japan as an Automotive Mechanic, attaining the rank of Corporal.Read More
Upon returning to Philadelphia Charles used his mechanical skills to work as an auto repairman. Eventually, he was employed as an Equipment Operator of the mechanical street sweeper by the Philadelphia Dept. of Streets until he retired in 1985.
In the early 1950’s, Charles met Andrew Patterson, with whom he became close friends. Through Mr. Patterson’s influence, Charles accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and joined Corinthian Baptist Church in 1953, where he was baptized by Rev. M.W. Newsome. At Corinthian, Charles served on the Men’s Usher Board and attended adult Sunday School classes taught by Mr. George W Lee. Rev. Newsome later assigned Charles to the Board of Trustees, where he served faithfully for many years. Charles also coached the church’s Track & Field Team with the Eastern District Congress of Christian Education, and brought 1st Prize to Corinthian in 1973.
In addition to church involvement, Charles was active in the Germantown Congress, Eastern District Congress, and Pennsylvania State Congress of Christian Education. He was also a Trustee of the Eastern District Congress Camping Foundation.
In 1953, Charles met Alva Virginia Cheek at Corinthian, and swept her off her feet. They were married on May 22, 1954 and were together for 65 years until Alva’s passing in October 2019. Their union produced two children: Vanessa Ava and Charles Leland. Charles was the ultimate “family man,” working tirelessly to provide for a stay-at-home mom and children to have necessities as well as pleasures. Every summer there would be trips to Atlantic City or Wildwood; and birthdays and holidays were happy times. Most importantly, Charles along with Alva raised their children in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
Charles returned to school to obtain his high school diploma. He graduated from Standard Evening High School in 1965 and was honored as the “Outstanding Male Graduate.” Afterward, he attended Philadelphia College of Bible, graduating in 1969. Finally, in 1993 Charles obtained his Associate’s Degree in Christian Ministry from Geneva College through their “CUTS” program (Center for Urban Theological Studies).
In the mid-1960’s. Charles sensed God’s call to preach the gospel, and in 1969 he preached his trial sermon at Corinthian and was licensed by Rev. M.W. Newsome. In 1972, Rev. Newsome ordained Rev. Charles E. Adams as a Baptist minister.
Rev. Adams was blessed with an extraordinary gift to teach God’s Word. When asked to minister during the Sunday evening service, he would often take a portion of scripture and go verse-by-verse, expounding the Word with clarity and enthusiasm. He also taught the Sunday School Teachers’ Class, a Bible class with coworkers, and a weekly Bible class at a friend’s church. As an Associate Minister at Corinthian, Rev. Adams had a servant’s heart and stepped into any role in which he was needed.
Rev. Adams had a love for people, and served them in any capacity that was necessary. He visited the sick on Wednesdays, as well as whenever someone called him in an emergency. He provided pre-marital counseling and performed marriage ceremonies; and offered support and service to grieving families. He was willing to help anyone who was in need. In turn, people admired and loved Rev. Adams dearly. Many church members and friends would travel to New Jersey to Rev. Adams’ childhood church for “Adams Day,” an annual church service and reunion to honor Rev. Adams, and at which he would preach a message.
Rev. Adams was a friendly person with a jovial personality and a beautiful smile with infectious laughter. He would frequently be found with a camera, taking candid pictures of anyone who was around him.Above all, Rev. Charles E. Adams was a man of God, and a man of character who loved his Lord Jesus Christ, his family and his church.
Rev. Charles E. Adams was called from labor to reward and departed this life on Monday, August 3, 2020 at the age of 92. He will be greatly missed by all who were impacted by his life.
In addition to his wife Alva, Rev. Adams was preceded in death by a sister - Margaret, two brothers - Elmer and Leon, and a close family friend - Gene Cheak.
He leaves to cherish his memory: daughter – Vanessa A. Porter (Keith), son – Charles L. Adams, sister – Sarah Miller, brother – James Adams; many nieces, nephews and other relatives, and a host of dear friends.
Truly we will all miss this minister of God of Corinthian BaptistChurch. My condolences go out to his children and other family members.
Donnie Richardson
August 16, 2020 | Philadelphia, PA | Friend
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. May God be with you during this time of mourning.
Shyree Milligan
August 13, 2020 | Philadelphia, PA | Student
Reverend Charles Adams was a good servant of Jesus Christ. He walked in the Love of God!
Patricia Holmes
August 13, 2020 | Acquaintance
Rev. Adams was such a caring and compassionate person who loved God and who knew the Word of God. As a member of Corinthian Baptist Church Rev Adams was a part of the village that shaped me to become the women I am today. Thank you! May God Bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
LaNay Hamilton
August 13, 2020 | Philadelphia, PA | Friend
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Monique Jones
August 13, 2020 | Philadelphia, PA | Friend
Rev. Charles Elmer Adams
My uncle Charles was very special to me. I was always proud of him and looked up to him. As a child and in my youth, I'd be thrilled to run into him driving his street sweeper truck. It was so exciting to see MY Uncle up there in the truck and waving back to me and my friends! When he was studying for the ministry, my family was going through a difficult time. I will always remember the times he came to our house weekly to counsel and pray. I was so...
Martha Adams Sullivan, DSW, MA
August 11, 2020 | New York, NY | Family
The Christian Church has lost a true man of God. I’ve known Rev. Adams since 1959. He was my Sunday School Teacher, Scout Master, Mentor, and Friend. He gave me directions, motivation, corrections, and encouragement. It was a pleasure to be in his presence and ministry. May all learn from his example.
Rev. Otis Hicks
August 11, 2020 | Colwyn, PA | Student
I met Mr. & Mrs. Adams when I moved two doors from them on Sparks Street and they were one of the first neighbors I met. He and his wife were very nice and helpful to me. When I got married and a couple of years later, my husband's Sister died, he helped us so much. He was such a beautiful person. Every morning I would leave for work he would be leaving for his daily walk and he walked all over the neighborhood to get his exercise workout in every day. I will miss Rev. Adams. My Prayers will...
Joanne Neil Jackson
August 10, 2020 | Philadelphia, PA | Neighbor
Rev. Adams will always be a part of the tapestry of my life. I will always remember his sweet gentle spirit and his beautiful smile. One of my greatest memories of Rev. Adams is a summer week (approximately 1970) during the convention session for the Pennsylvania Congress of Christian Education. The host church was White Rock Baptist Church located in West Philadelphia. It rained like cats and dogs every day of the convention. Rev. Adams faithfully picked me up at my home and drove me...
Audrey Greene
August 08, 2020 | South Chesterfield, VA | Friend