Betty Jane Adams

Betty Jane Sparks Adams, 98, of Charlottesville, VA died peacefully at home on November 23, 2025. She spent her final days with family and devoted caretakers.

Born February 14, 1927 in Baltimore, MD, she was the daughter of Emory and Gladys Sparks. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 69 years, James F. Adams IV and her eldest daughter, Linda Louise Martin.

In addition to her 5 daughters, Betty had many "sons" via the lacrosse teams her husband coached for over 40 years. She welcomed the players into their home and kept in touch with their families long after graduation. She helped coordinate many summer lacrosse camps for the youth players. She was an athlete in her own right, playing many years of golf and tennis (out on the courts even at age 90).

A true Baltimorean, Betty enjoyed a good crab cake, singing with friends around the piano, and her time 'down the ocean' in Ocean City, MD. Born on Valentine's Day, she was our family's special Valentine, who appropriately loved dark chocolate and was never known to turn down a truffle or a back rub from one of her daughters, as she knew the finer things in life! She was Mema, loved by a family of over 55 - children, grandchildren, spouses, and great grandchildren - all for whom she continued knitting scarves until the end of her well-lived and very well-loved life!

Betty Jane is survived by Dr. Luke Martin (husband of deceased daughter, Linda) of Cheshire, CT; Sally Saxton (Jim) of Kiawah Island, SC; Beth McGrath (Ray) of Charlottesville, VA; Mary Jo Hill (Monty) of Williamsburg, VA; and Meg Torres (Ivan) of Port Moody, BC; along with 18 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

We would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to her loving caretakers over the past few years. Thomasena, Leslie, Robin, Leah, Anita and Kelly will always be a part of the family.

A memorial service will be held at 12pm on Friday, December 19, 2025 at Olivet Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville.

Contributions can be made to the Hospice of the Piedmont, hopva.org. We greatly appreciate their amazing support. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hillandwood.com