By John L. Nosker
Sister Adams was born November 6, 1912, in Pike Road, North Carolina, the daughter of the late David B. and Mary Allen Adams. All of her four brothers and two sisters preceded her in death. She moved to Hopewell, Virginia in 1930 to make her home with her brother Joyner and his wife, Nollie. They were the parents of the preachers, Wiley and Connie Adams and the preacher’s widow, Mrs. Thomas (Glenda) Icard. Throughout their childhood and youth, Aunt Beulah was a beloved member of their family circle. She had an impact on their lives; today they “rise up and call her blessed.”
She was employed at times outside the home; how-ever, most of her adult life was spent in personal service in the home and in caring for children, those of family members and others. She cared for scores of youngsters; Beulah loved children, and children loved Beulah.
This fine Christian lady also was always interested in those in poor health. She made her concern known with cards, phone calls, and assurance of her prayers and her love. Connie commented regarding his aunt just prior to her funeral services, “Her life exemplified the Lord’s definition when he answered those discussing who would be greatest in the kingdom `… whoever wishes to be first among you, shall be servant of all’ (Mark 10:43). She spent her life in service to others.”
Doubtless all who knew this noble Christian would agree that the words of the song “Others” epitomize her life:
“Others, Lord, yes, others,
Let this my motto be,
Help me to live for others
That I may live like thee.”
Paul wrote that it is required in stewards that one be called faithful (I Cor. 4:2). Beulah Adams filled the bill of a steward found faithful. This writer came to the church in Hopewell in May 1943, and for more than three years worked and worshiped with that church. Beulah was among the first persons I remember meeting. I cannot recall a time when she was absent from the assembly. Of course, attendance of worship was not the only regard in which she was faithful. She loved the word of God, and she studied it consistently. She exemplified its teaching in her life. In all the years I’ve known her I never heard her say an unkind word about anyone. Family members con-firm: “She spoke no ill of her neighbor.”
Perhaps there was no period in her life when her light shone more brightly in the realm of service, than during the several years prior to her brother Joyner’s death when he was in failing health and eventually required a great deal of care. What a team his devoted wife and this dear sister made in caring for him. During the last few years of his life round the clock service. They worked hand-in-hand caring for the husband of one and brother of the other. Together they performed a feat which few women could have, and still fewer would have.
After his death they shared life together neither in good health. Countless times, undoubtedly, they were in their customary place in worship when neither was really able to be there. Her sister-in-law, Nollie, passed away about nine months prior to Beulah’s death. Their departure leaves a void in the Rivermont church. They are missed.
Following Nollie’s death, Beulah made her home with Glenda in West Virginia. She passed away in a hospital in Weirton, West Virginia on April 7, 1996. A funeral service was conducted in Wellsburg, West Virginia on April 9 by Owen Thomas. Nearly ten years ago, she requested this writer to speak at her final rites. On April 10, it was a privilege to comply with her wishes during a service near the Adams home in Chester, Virginia, assisted by Michael W. McLemore. A quartet of Christians from churches in the area sang appropriate hymns. Her body was gently laid to rest in the family plot in nearby Sunset Memorial Gar-dens to await the clarion call of the resurrection.
Guardian of Truth XL: No. 14, p. 14
July 18, 1996