Our Matriarch, Mary Ellen Lawrence Adams was born on February 4, 1925 in Putnam County, Georgia to the late Alonzo and Carrie Lawrence. She was one of eight children born to this union. She was blessed with ten additional siblings. In addition to her Daughter-in- law, Gonza Mae Smith Adams, all of her siblings preceded her in death (Walter, Charlie, Maggie, Evie, Emmaline, Odessa and Fannie Bell, Amanda, Jessie, Ruby, Bud, Bishop, Eliza Jane, Ossie, Lewis, Bo and Lucinda). The family worshiped at Jefferson Baptist Church and Henderson Grove Baptist Church in Putnam County. Once the family relocated to Morgan County they served at Indian Creek Baptist Church and resided on Academy Street.

Ms. Ellen believed in looking good wherever she went. She often told the story of her catching the eye of the love of her life, James Percy Adams, Sr. (J.P.) because she" was looking good that day". They were married on October 18, 1944 during World War II and enjoyed 72 years of marriage before death separated them. Whether in Georgia or New Jersey, their home was the gathering spot for the family. J.P. and Mary were blessed with one child, James Percy Adams, Jr. (Bobo). He was indeed the apple of their eyes. When her sister Odessa passed, they raised her daughter, Barbara Jean Lawrence (who was 3 years old at the time) as their own and they were instrumental in supporting many of their nieces and nephews.

She moved to Atlanta to attend Cosmetology School and became a licensed Beautician. Ms. Ellen owned and operated Adams Beauty Shop in Madison for many years. She was a pillar of the community, always offering sage advice and guidance. She shared her knowledge and resources with her family and friends. While she was witty and a pleasure to be around, she did not mince words. She said what she meant and she meant what she said.

Mary Ellen reconnected with Indian Creek Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Bobby Patman whom she loved dearly. She served there until her health prevented her from attending, but she supported the ministry until the end. She was well-respected and cherished by many. Her beloved J.P., passed on February 12, 2016 and she reigned as the Matriarch of the family until her last breath on February 12, 2023. Mary Ellen completed her earthly assignment at her home with her Granddaughter by her side. Although it was a sad day, we rejoice for having her for 98 beautiful years. Our world is richer because she was in it. Mary Ellen Lawrence Adams leaves a legacy of tradition, family and love to Grandson, James P. Adams, III and Jacquelyn; Granddaughter, Toryi F. Adams; Adopted Daughter, Barbara Jean Lawrence Pennington and Prince, Jr.; Grandson, Prince Pennington III and Philip Pennington and Roberta; Great-Grands, Valencia Nelson, Dematriaa Cox, Chonta Adams, Jasmine Adams, Damian Adams, James Percy Adams, IV, Monay Adams, Chyna Cook, Charles (CJ) Cook and Jacelyn Adams; and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Services were Saturday. February 18, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. from Calvary Baptist Church, Madison. Rev. W. J Reid, Eulogist - Rev. Bobby Patman, Presiding.