Gladys Myrtle Maudine Adams passed away in Windermere, FL at the age of 92. Born on December 26, 1927 in Danville, VA, Gladys was a tiny, premature baby. The doctor did not expect her to survive. However, her fierce determination to survive became evident as she tenaciously refused to succumb. For the rest of her long life, she continued to maintain this level of resolve. Ultimately, the formidable coronavirus covid-19 proved to be the battle that she could not win.
“Little Gladys” relocated to Harlem New York when she became a teenager. She began her lifelong love of gymnastics while attending Julia Ward Howe junior high school. Exposure to the rich Black Renaissance Era provided her with many cultural experiences. For example, Gladys and her friends enjoyed the Apollo Theater and the Savoy Ballroom regularly. She met Andrew “Andy” Adams at the Savoy. They won many Savoy jitterbug contests together. They were married on June 12, 1944.
After moving to Jamaica, Queens, they opened Adams Quality French Cleaners. With a great deal of hard work and fortitude, they turned this venture into a profitable 50-year business. After relocating to their new home in Laurelton, Queens, she became an active member of the community by joining the Laurel Springs Bowling League, numerous women’s groups, and St. Mary Magdalene Roman Catholic Church. There, Gladys pursued her love of singing by joining their Gospel Choir. After retiring, she moved to Surprise, AZ. As a member of her church in Phoenix, Gladys attained the position of treasurer.
After her husband passed away, Gladys again demonstrated her determination to survive while living alone. Eventually, she decided to join her daughter Sylvia and her family in Orlando.
Preceded in death by her son, Derek Adams; her mother and father, Jessie Ferguson Hogue and Junius J. Hogue; her brother, Douglas Hogue; her grandmother and grandfather, Mary Wilson Ferguson and George Ferguson, she was the adored wife of Andrew ”Andy” Adams for 59 years while he was alive.
She is survived by her daughters, Sylvia Gibson and Andrea Adams-Zuhri; her son-in-law, Michael Gibson; her sisters, Verna Hogue Revell and Carolyn Hogue Battle; her brothers, Clifton Hogue and Floyd Hogue; her grandchildren, Dekel Zuhri, Jafar Zuhri , Joseph De’lon Adams, Jonathan Gibson, Marcus Gibson and Spencer Gibson as well as eleven great grandchildren, two great- great grandchildren and a host of beloved family members and her many friends.
Gladys was a true “people person”. She was sociable and jovial to all who were fortunate enough to be in her company.
Rest In Peace “Little Gladys.”
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