Rosa J. Adams

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. A time to be born and a time to die.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Rosa Jane Dowell Adams was born on May 10, 1922, in Charlottesville, Virginia, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Alfred and Laura Dowell. She was affectionately known as Rosa Jane, Rosie, and her favorite, “Jazzy and Sassy Mrs. Frank Adams”.

Rosa later married her love, the late Frank (Pete) Adams, and they were blessed with one daughter, Mrs. Frances Adams Lavender.

Mrs. Adams was educated in the Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Virginia school system. She began her employment journey at the old Olmstead Air Force Base, continued as a Culinary Specialist at the old 210 Club, and was also employed for over 60 years by Dr. Leon Shedlosky and family until the zeal of working ran its course at the age of 80 years old.

Mrs. Adams was a lifelong member of Mount Olive Baptist Church, where she joined over 65 years ago. She loved her church and faithfully served in numerous capacities to include the Missionary Board, the Senior Choir, and Culinary Ministries.

Mrs. Adams enjoyed her life journey God gave her with her family and friends, traveling, entertaining, cooking big, delicious meals for family and friends, and going to the casino and watching the cherries spin. Don’t forget she loved cutting a step in her high heels until she was 101. She loved her Rosie’s Chips (produced by Max Shedlosky) -inspiring health and longevity to others, one bag at a time.

Mrs. Adams especially loved her visits to Virginia with her daughter, to spend time with her Baby Sister Nancy.

Mrs. Adams loved singing her favorite hymns, “Precious Lord”, “I Won’t Complain”, and she didn’t for 103 years!

On Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the blessed age of 103, Mrs. Rosa J. Adams peacefully transitioned from this life, joining in eternal life at the Spring Creek Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Harrisburg, PA. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her four brothers, Joseph Dowell, Rufus Dowell, Henry Dowell, and Haywood Dowell, three sisters, Aurelia Walker, Lelia Bracy, and Laura Glenn, all of Charlottesville, Virginia.

Mrs. Adams leaves to celebrate her life, her daughter, Elder Frances Adams Lavender, her sister, Mrs. Nancy Johnson (Charlottesville, VA); her grandchildren, Ms. Chauntez Venable-Daniels (Lancaster, PA); Ms. Angela Franklin (Warner Robins, GA); Ms. Nirvana Franklin (Harrisburg, PA); her great-grandchildren, Darius Franklin, Jaelyn Brown, Damien (DJ) Lockett, Armani Franklin, Jaeanna (Friday) Washington, and Bernard Beamer-Franklin; her great niece, Cassandra Hughes and her son-in- love Todd Shedlosky and wife Lisa; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.