Family and friends mourned the passing of Gerald “Jerry” Adams in a memorial service at the Miller Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, February 29, 2024.
Adams, a U.S. Army veteran, died March 22nd in St. Francis Hospital after a lengthy illness.
He was 66 years old, and would have turned 67 in March!
Born on March 6, 1957, to Robert “Lil Coochie” and Alice DeGraffenried Adams, Jerry was affectionately known as “Lil Coochie’s” baby boy, bearing a striking resemblance and sharing the vibrant personality of his father.
Growing up without a father in the house, Jerry looked up to his uncles as male figures, despite the complex dynamics within the family.
Known for his industrious nature and amiable spirit, Jerry was a free spirit who found the traditional paths of education and discipline challenging. His departure from high school in 1973 was met with mixed feelings within his family, marking the beginning of a tumultuous yet transformative journey.
Jerry’s life took a decisive turn when he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1974, though his service was cut short due to a medical injury.
In 1981, He married Trena Bradley, but the relationship did not last long.
Early in his life, he was baptized at the St. Peter Baptist Church in Columbia, La., In 1985, he united with the New Tabernacle Baptist Church. At New Tabernacle, he contributed regularly and frequently loaned his fix-it skills to repairing and painting pews, plumbing, and other church needs for years until his health failed.
Jerry’s later years were dedicated to serving as the family’s caretaker and handyman, utilizing his skills to support his loved ones and others when called upon.
Despite suffering a stroke in 2017 that significantly impacted his mobility and health, Jerry’s spirit remained unbroken.
Mourning his passing are four sisters, Rose Ann Adams-Smith, Joslyn Adams Wright (Roosevelt), Debra Adams Carroll (Nathaniel), and Peggy Adams Roquemore; two aunts, Mary Ann Tubbs-Cole, and Willie Mae Davis; Seven (7) Nephews: Gerald Wright, Roosevelt Wright, III, Robert K. Wright, Kita Kenyatta Wright, BNW, Edgar Morgan, Micheal Neal, Travis Carroll; three (3) Nieces: Nakisha Neal, Connie Morgan, Toria Adams; Seven (7) Great Nephews: Corey Morgan, Cadence Wright, Ethan Ayre Wright, Gian Wright, Develle Neal, JuDerrick Wells, Sebastian Wells; Four (4) Great Nieces: Kourtney Dailey, Lorena Neal, Chantel Neal; two (2-great-great nephews: Sidney Morgan and Stevie Ray Morgan, one (1) great-great niece; Raelyn Green a host of family and friends.
His final interment was in the Richwood Memorial Gardens in Richwood, La.
