Obituary
Reverend Julius Adams
August 9, 1923 - February 16, 2002
Reverend Julius Adams completed one
phase of life's journey to begin a new one in the
presence of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on
Saturday morning, February 16, 2002 following
a lengthy illness.
Reverend Adams was the third child
born to Antoine Adams and Juanita Luna-
Adams on August 9th 1923, in Kingsville, Texas.
Orphaned at an early age, he was reared by his
aunt, Lucille Syias. He attended public school
in Kingsville, St. Phillip's College in San
Antonio and Tuskegee Institute in Alabama
where he intended to train as a Tuskegee Airman
but was drafted into the U.S. Army and stationed
in the European Theater of Operation. There he
served his country as a public relations specialist
- writing articles for Stars and Stripes. Upon
honorable discharge from the military in 1945,
he returned to America and fulfilled his dream
of flying by obtaining a private pilots license.
While visiting the home of his Army
friend, Elroy James, he had the good fortune to
meet
Elroy's
younger
sister.
Bertha
Mae. The
meeting
resulted in
marriage of
55 years.
Reverend Adams was born and
christened in the Methodist faith. He later
joined the Baptist church and was ordained as a
Baptist minister serving Greater Mt. Olive
Baptist Church in San Antonio. He returned to
the Methodist faith and became an ordained
United Methodist minister 1977, and completed
his divinity studies at the
Perkins School of Theology, Southern
Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. He was
a member of the South West Texas Conference
for San Antonio, Victoria and Austin districts,
and served the following churches - Grace
U.M.C., Downs Memorial, Saint Paul
(Columbus), Evans U.M.C., Henson Chapel, and
Bethel U.M.C. He retired in 1995, but
continued his community work and occasionally
returned to the pulpit.
Reverend Adams was also a retired
postal employee following a 30-year career as a
carrier and supervisor. He was a member of the
American Legion.
Julius and Bertha rejoiced in the births
of five children - Susan A. Adams-Rowe (Jasper
C Rowe) of Dallas, Carol L. Adams-Means
(James H. Means, Jr.) of Austin,
Rodney D. Adams (Eunice O'Neil Adams) of
Dallas, and Jeffery D. Adams (San Antonio).
His son. Pvt. Julius I. Adams, parents and
siblings Samuel Adams and Lilly Adams-Smith,
preceded him in death.
He was proud of his grandchildren who
called him Poppy. At Christmas, he delighted in
wearing his Santa suit and playing "Poppy
Clans " His five grandchildren are Alyssa Anne
and James H. Means III, Jillian C. Rowe,
Rodney D. Adams, Jr. and Jeffery I. Adams.
The extended family includes the Levy James,
Elroy James, James G. Williams, Willie
Winners, Addie Scott, Howard Williams, Adams
and Lamelle families as well as a host of friends,
colleagues, and support groups.
Some of his simple pleasures were
fishing with his grandchildren at the
neighborhood pond and recounting his flying
experiences. Gifted with a melodious baritone
voice, he loved to sing, even during the later
stages of his illness.
He usually wore his favorite possession,
a simple, wooden-cross handcrafted by his son,
Jeff.
He led a complete and full life that in
some small way made the world a better place
for all.
Order of Service
Officiating
Reverend Terrence Hays
Saint Paul United Methodist Church
Organ Prelude
Processional
Words of Comfort
Reverend Terrance Hays
Choral Selection
Precious Lord
Choir, Bethel United Methodist Church
Prayer
Dr. Carl Johnson, Greater Corinth Baptist
Church
Psalter
Psalm 23, Congregation
Scripture Reading
01 d T estament-Psalm 137:1-10
Dr. J. Brendolyn Cunningham, U.M.C. (Retired)
New Testament-John 11:25-35
Reverend Antoine Dykes, Sanford Chapel
Affirmation of Faith
Reverend Robert Douglas, Bethel U.M.C.
Solo
How Great Though Art
Reverend Gerald Parks, First U.M.C
Lyford, Texas
Acknowledgements
Rodney D. Adams
Obituary
Read Silently
Resolution
Mr. Roscoe Cunningham, American Legion
Mr. Calvin Curtis, U.S. Postal Workers
Choral Selection
He'll Understand
Choir, Bethel United Methodist
Tributes
United Methodist Church
Reverend Robert Douglas, Bethel U.M.C.
Reverend Antoine Dykes, Sanford Chapel
Reverend Howard Mims, Jacob Chapel U.M.C.
Reverend Martin Walker, Taylor U.M.C.
Reverend Harold T. Sassman, District
Superintendent, U.M.C.
Other remarks (limit to 2 minutes)
Solo
Lanita Kelly
Eulogy
Dr, Austin Frederick, Assistant to Bishop
Southwest Conference of United Methodist
Church
Benediction
Reverend Terrence Hays
Support from Bethel U.M.C. Usher Board and
Saint Paul U.M.C. minister and members
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