David Adams, Jr.

David Adams, Jr. was born on January 10, 1938, in the small town of Arcola, Mississippi, to Willie Mae Lee and David Henry Adams. In 1944, as World War II neared its end, he began his education in the Breisch School District of Leland, Mississippi. After moving to Detroit as a youngster, he continued his studies in the Detroit Public Schools, graduating from the prestigious Cass Technical High School in 1956.

David’s academic journey continued at Highland Park Junior College and the Detroit Institute of Technology, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration. In 1980, he completed a Master of Arts in Personnel Management at Central Michigan University.

“Junior,” as his “momma” affectionately called him, received Christ at an early age and became a member of New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor J. S. Williams. For 18 years, he faithfully served the church in various capacities, including President of the Young People’s Usher Board, until the congregation relocated to the west side of Detroit.

After a brief period of employment with the Ford Motor Company, David joined the federal workforce in late 1956 as a Distribution Clerk with the United States Postal Service. Over the years, he advanced through positions of increasing responsibility, including Foreman of Mails, Acting Manager of Labor Relations, Manager of Personnel, and later Human Resource Specialist. His dedication and commitment were frequently recognized through proclamations, letters of appreciation, and numerous awards for excellence, including a Certificate of Appreciation from Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer.

David was deeply involved in several people-focused organizations dedicated to advocacy, service, and community. He was a long-time member of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Association, serving for many years as President of NARFE–Detroit Chapter 89 and Editor of its newsletter. He was also a devoted member of the National Association of Postal Supervisors (NAPS), Branch 23 and Branch 268, where he served as Legislative Representative and advocated tirelessly on behalf of postal employees.

David remained actively engaged with the Detroit Postal Employees Credit Union as it evolved into the present-day Zeal Credit Union, where he served on the Board of Directors. His community service extended to roles as a Cub Scout troop leader; a member of the Cass Tech Alumni Triangle Society (CATS); and President of the Detroit chapter of “Lelanders,” a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships to students in need in his hometown of Leland, Mississippi. He also served for many years as President of NARFE’s Michigan Federation of Chapters and most recently as its Vice President.

David will be remembered for his eloquence, vast knowledge—particularly of little-known facts—his command of language and Robert’s Rules of Order, his humor, and his love of interesting foods as a self-taught gourmet cook. His calm demeanor, steadfast leadership, and deep devotion to family will be sorely missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Mae Lee and David Henry Adams; his sister, Nadine Harris of Greenville, Mississippi; and his brothers, Charles Turnbull of Boston, Massachusetts; Frederick “Ricky” Adams of Greenville, Mississippi; and Clyde “Micky” Adams of Arcola, Mississippi.

David Adams, Jr. leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of over six decades, Bernice Dale Adams; his sons, Jeffrey D. Adams of Redford, Michigan, and Stanley E. (Doreen) Adams of Denver, Colorado; his daughter, Angela M. (Darren) Hood of Southfield, Michigan; his granddaughters, Rachel C. Adams and Naomi V. Adams, both of Detroit, Michigan; his great-grandson, Eric Lee Alexander Rodgers, Jr., of Detroit, Michigan; his sisters, Dorothy Nelson of Compton, California, Brenda Faye Adams White of Southfield, Michigan, and Gwendolyn (Jimmy) McAlpine of Raymond, Mississippi; his brothers, Dr. David Jerome (“Billy”) Adams of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Roy Henry “Chuck” (Lois) Adams of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and Darryl (Sandra) Adams of Jackson, Mississippi; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.