Teacher was longtime Glenville community leader
April 6, 1935 - April 18, 2024
Dorothy Mae Adams was born on April 6, 1935, to Christopher C. and Henrene H. Adams in Jackson, Mississippi. She was the first of four siblings, soon followed by Thelma, Christopher, Jr., and Christine a few years later. Christopher, Jr. passed away at an early age in 1943.
Dorothy’s active family included strong involvement at Pratt Methodist Church. Dorothy was involved from an early age in the church choir, the Methodist Youth Fellowship, and other program activities.
The family moved north to Elyria, Ohio in 1953 in search of better job opportunities and education for the children. The family found a church home at Second Methodist Church soon after their arrival.
Dorothy started her college education at Tougaloo College in Jackson, MS but transferred to Central State University in Xenia, Ohio after the family moved north. During her college years she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority [AKA]
Immediately after graduating from Central State in 1956, Dorothy moved to Cleveland and began teaching at Hough Elementary at the tender age of 21; she later transferred to John W. Raper Elementary. She joined Mt. Zion Congregational Church and became a member of its renowned Chancel Choir.
Dorothy continued her education at Cleveland State where she received her master's degree in education. She became an active member of the Cleveland Teacher's Union and a recruiter for the Cleveland Unified School District. This involvement led her naturally to a member of many community and neighborhood organizations to enhance, uplift, and improve her adopted city of Cleveland and her beloved Glenville neighborhood.
Dorothy believed in serving people and taking action to make an impact on society. She was an active member of the Democratic Party and the NAACP, where she worked with the political action committee, supporting voter empowerment initiatives through voter awareness drives and registration.
President of the Herrick Road/East Boulevard Street Club for more than 25 years beginning in 1993, she spearheaded a $5,000 community garden at Yale Ave and Herrick Rd that was grant-funded by the Cleveland Foundation/Neighborhood Connections. Her service recognition in the neighborhood includes: a 2016 Cornerstone Award from the Famicos Foundation; Citizen-At-Large Trustee of the Doan Brook Partnership Board; member of the Glenville Development Corporation Hall of Fame for Legacy and Education; Treasurer of the Sixth District Community Relations Committee; member of the African American Cultural Gardens Development Task Force; Ward 8 Citizen Recognition Award; American Federation of Teachers 40 Years of Service Award; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Sisterhood Award and Exemplary Service Award; and the Commander’s Award for the 6th Police District (now the 5th District).
Dorothy was married to the late Robert (Bob) Rose Jr., from 1971-1975. She was also married to the late Tom Barns from 1980-1986.
Dorothy died April 18, 2024. She is survived by her son, Robert H. Rose III (Tisha); granddaughters Jennifer and Maya of Arizona; nephews Chris Adams (Misty) of Ohio and James Mandell of Minnesota; great-nephews Dale Ray and Emerson; a great-niece, Raiah; the Williams family and a host of many relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 1:30p on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at University Circle United Methodist Church, 1919 East 107 Street, Cleveland, OH 44106. The service will be preceded by family visitation at 12:30p and an AKA service at 1p.
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Note: This article was updated on April 24, 2025 @ 2044 to reflect the date, time, and location of the services.
