Obituary of Jane Gwendolyn Adams

Adams Jane Gwendolyn Washington After a long fight, our gracious Lord saw fit to sit His servant down on Friday, August 13, 2010. HALLELUJAH!!!! Jane Gwendolyn Washington Adams was born on January 22, 1943 to Victor and Shirley Washington, Sr. in Palmyra, NJ; in between two brothers, Howard Cordell and Victor Lee Jr. Her dad gave Jane her first but not last nickname, "Bridget". In the neighborhood, she was known as "Sissi". Jane was a classy, eloquent lady. She was full of passion and had alot of spunk. She loved God, her family and music. Jane was educated in Palmyra and graduated from Palmyra High School. She attended Virginia State College. In 1967, Jane married Reginald Adams, to that union was born one daughter, Gina Rene'. Gwen, her name of preference, accepted Christ as her Savior at a young age. She was a faithful member of Mt. Zion AME Church in Riverton, NJ, where she served until her health prevented her from doing so. Gwen served in multiple capacities on the African Methodist Episcopal Church Board of Christian Education locally as well as the District and State Levels. She was also a missionary serving on the local area and state level. In the late 1970's, under her guidance and love of gospel music, the Celestial Ensemble was born at Mt. Zion AME Church. They brought many passionate renditions of Andre Crouch, Walter Hawkins and Reverend James Cleveland's songs. Jane loved the piano, but even more that that she loved the organ at Mt. Zion. She spent many years since she was a child at the organ and piano at Mt. Zion, giving praise unto the Lord! Gwendolyn worked most of her life serving others in organizations like O.I.C., BCAP and NJ DYFS. JJA-JJA, as she was lovingly known in recent years, was a generous and encouraging woman, who opened her home and her heart to many over the years who found themselves in need. She was a foster parent formally and informally to many youth over the years. If JJA-JJA had it and you needed it, it was yours. Giving gifts to elders as a "secret friend" was a joy to her! She was very creative in the kitchen and made sure the presentation of the dish was just important as the taste. Playing pinochle and Scrabble brought her alot of fun, even when she was fighting you when she suspected you of cheating. She recently earned the title of Miss Scrabble and was fighting to keep the title. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family. Trips to Virginia and Martha's Vineyard were on her highlight list. If there was an accomplishment in the family, a graduation, birth or even winning a little league game, she shared in the pride of the moment; shouting a loud cheer or a hallelujah when you shared good news with her! She made sure to keep family connected and passed down to the little ones. She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter, Gina Rene' (Stephen); grandchildren, Kyri Isaiah, Kyra Denise, Kaleb George and Kalea LaVerne; brothers, Howard Washington (Joyce) and Victor Washington Jr.; two aunts, Edna Webb (Godmother) and Norma Washington; two uncles, Wilbur Washington and John Washington, Sr.; Goddaughter, Nancy Southerland Meyers; five nieces; two nephews; many great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Services will be held 11am Friday, August 20, 2010, at Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, 300 Penn Street, Riverton, where friends may call from 9am. Burial will be private.