Alberta Virginia Adams

Mrs. Alberta Sills Adams peacefully departed this life at her home on February 25, 2025, at the age of 96. She leaves behind her beloved husband of 54 years, James Adams. Born on January 31, 1929, to the late William Henry Sills and Queen Morton Sills of Waverly, Virginia, Alberta’s early years were marked by the loss of both parents. This hardship fostered a deep, lifelong bond with her beloved sister, Naomi Biggs. Together, they became each other’s strength, working in harmony to honor the values their parents had instilled in them—faith in God, family, the pursuit of education, and the importance of hard work.

Alberta Sills Adams was a woman of profound faith, a beacon of light for her family and friends. Baptized at Tabernacle Christian Church in Suffolk, Virginia, her walk of faith continued as a member of Marbel Collegiate Church and Canon Baptist Church during her 60+ years in New York City. After retiring and returning to Suffolk, she joined Mount Sinai Baptist Church, where she embraced the preached word, the fellowship of God's people, and the joy of worship. She participated in the 80 Plus ministry and remained a faithful member until her health began to decline.

In 1972, Alberta married the love of her life, James Adams. Their love story began when they met at Joint Disease Hospital in Harlem, New York, and from that moment, a deep, unwavering connection blossomed. Over the course of 54 years, they shared a remarkable journey filled with laughter, travel, and dreams fulfilled. Their marriage was one of enduring devotion and mutual support, inspiring all who witnessed it.

Alberta was a proud alumna of the former Hampton Institute School of Nursing, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She held several impactful positions, including Nurse Supervisor at Joint Disease Hospital in Harlem, New York, where she instilled excellence in her team and demonstrated exceptional skill in patient care, procedure, and policy. Her remarkable career in nursing was recognized with numerous awards. Her faith and family meant everything to her. She instilled the value of education, often encouraging her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews to pursue learning with the words, “Go as far as you can go!” Alberta poured her time, energy, and resources into those she loved.

Alberta leaves to cherish her memory, a beloved husband of 54 years, James Adams: and a devoted family; Stepdaughter, Jenell Coger: Grandchildren, Jordyn Carter and Taylor Carter; Nieces: Dora Pearson, Alberta Olivia Lang (William), Saundra Biggs, and Kim Ragland (William): and Nephews, Dwight Stanford (Adella) and William E. Biggs (Vanessa) and a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

Her love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed by those whose lives she touched with her kindness, faith, and love. 

A celebration of life will be held noon, Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at East End Baptist Church. She will be entombed in Carver Memorial Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.