Joanne Janet Adams, daughter of the late Cornelia E. Jones and Benjamin Franklin Jones, Sr., was born on January 29, 1954, in Baltimore, Maryland. She peacefully departed this life on May 26, 2026.

Joanne received her education through the Baltimore City Public School System.

At an early age, Joanne accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. She became a devoted and faithful member of New Refuge Holiness Church under the leadership of the late Bishop Naomi Durant, where she served diligently as a choir member. Singing and playing the tambourine were among Joanne’s greatest joys as she worshiped and praised the Lord.

Later in life, Joanne united with Greater Saint John Full Gospel Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Robert J. McCoy. During her years of faithful service, she was appointed as one of the Mothers of the Church, a role she embraced with grace, humility, and dedication.

Mother Adams faithfully served in many capacities. She sang in the choir, worked in the church kitchen, provided transportation for members, and continually shared the love and joy of Jesus Christ with everyone she encountered.

In later years, Joanne continued her faithful service under the pastoral leadership of her son at Greater Saint John Full Gospel Baptist Church. Her compassionate heart led her to care for the less fortunate, feed the homeless, encourage the discouraged, and demonstrate the love of Christ through both word and deed.

Affectionately known as “Ma Joe” and “Doll Baby,” Joanne treasured spending time with her family and friends. Her warm spirit, infectious smile, and nurturing presence made everyone feel welcome and loved.

Joanne found love and married the late Clyde Adams, Jr. From this union were born three sons: Clinton S. Adams, Sr., Clyde R. Adams, and Aaron D. Adams, Sr.

For more than 30 years, Joanne was employed at Towers at Harbor Court in downtown Baltimore, where she faithfully served as Housekeeping Supervisor until her retirement in 2024. Following retirement, Ma Joe enjoyed traveling, sharing gospel tracts, and witnessing to everyone she met. She never missed an opportunity to encourage others and share the goodness of God.

If you knew Ma Joe, you likely heard one of her signature sayings:

“Oh, honey…”

or

“This too shall pass.”

One of her favorite scriptures was Romans 6:23:

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

She would often emphasize the words, “It’s the wages!”

Joanne was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Adams, Jr. her parents, Cornelia E. Jones and Benjamin Franklin Jones, Sr.; her brothers, Benjamin Franklin Jones, Jr., and Robert Lewis Jones; and her sisters-in-law, Sharon Jones and Sharon Jones.

She leaves to cherish her memory her three beloved sons: Clinton S. Adams, Sr. (Nichole), Clyde R. Adams, and Aaron D. Adams, Sr.; her sister, Juanita Jones (Terrence); her two brothers, Joseph Allen (Amy) and Corey Craig (Shana);Four brother- in laws and three sisters-in-laws; one niece whom she loved as a daughter, Giselle Jones; nine bonus daughters: Tredena Adams, Nichole Adams, Talesha Gladney, Deborah Berry, Tabithia McAdams, Denise McGarrell, Shanika King, Tericka Washington, and Tia Baysmore, along with many other bonus daughters; and seven bonus sons: Edward Jackson, Corey Nivens, Antonio King, Marcellus McGarrell, Maurice Wade, Rodney Baysmore, and Davon Carter, along with many other bonus sons whom she loved dearly.

She also leaves to cherish her memory her grandchildren: Dionne, Torray, Sheray, Tranaka, Raychoune, Darius, Rayona, Calvin, Aaron Jr., Clinton Jr., and Caliah; twelve great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, dear friends, and loved ones.

Though Joanne has departed from this earthly life, her legacy of faith, service, compassion, and unconditional love will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Her life was a testimony of God’s grace, and her memory will continue to inspire generations to com