Jocelyn Lou Short Adams

Beloved mother, grandmother, cousin, and friend to many, Jocelyn Lou Short Adams passed away peacefully at age 95 on July 24th, 2025 at her residence. Born to Fred and Frances Short on April 4th, 1930 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Jocelyn, AKA “Josh” or “Jocie” grew up in Latonia Kentucky, and attended Holmes High School and Stephens College. She continued her studies at Indiana University, earning a BA in commercial art and a minor in journalism. Jocelyn worked for The Methodist Publishing House in Downtown Cincinnati and later at Nordlogh Tile Company in Fairfax, Ohio. She traveled with college friends throughout Western Europe and Hawaii in the early 1950s. In 1955 she married Ted Adams and became a dedicated stay-at-home mom. As a parent, she was active in her children’s school life and extracurricular activities.

Jocelyn adored animals, especially elephants and owls, but being a dog mom was also a big part of her life. There was almost always a canine companion by her side, especially loyal boxers, an abandoned beagle mix, one smiling Dalmatian, a rambunctious black lab (for a while), a loving collie, and a rescued greyhound.

While living in Florida, she volunteered at Sarasota Memorial Hospital and the Sarasota Humane Society. Later, back in Cincinnati, she was a member of the Mariemont Marielders where she enjoyed lunches out, playing bridge, and mahjong. 

Jocelyn was an avid reader, enjoyed arts and crafts, gardens, rooted for the Cincinnati Reds, the Indiana University Hoosiers, the Florida State Seminoles, and we even turned her into a Cincinnati Bengals fan!

Jocelyn leaves behind her children, Paige Adams Strickland, (Scott) and R. Craig Adams, grandchildren, Jennifer Barnes, (Matt), Megan Carpenter, (Max), Darby Zimmerman, (Charlie), Shelby Adams, (Vlad), and Colby Adams; also bonus grandkids Rylie and Jace. She also leaves three great-grandchildren: Finleigh, Reed, and Noah plus one on the way.

Graveside service will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at Spring Grove Cemetery, 4521 Spring Grove Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45232. Jocelyn loved blue and turquoise. Feel free to show your love and care by wearing these colors.

Instead of flowers, please consider donations to Crossroads Hospice, The Mariemont Marielders, an animal shelter, or a public library.

Arrangements Entrusted to Barnes Funeral Home, Eaton, Ohio. Condolences may be sent to the family via the website www.barnesfuneralhome.com