Mrs. Melvina "Mel" (Reed) Adams

UTICA – Mrs. Melvina Adams “Mel”, age 84, with family by her side, went peacefully home to the Lord on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. Born September 17, 1939, in Pompano Beach, FL, Melvina was the daughter of the late Fred Reed, Sr. and Emma Lou (Brown) Reed. As a young child, her family migrated to Utica to be closer to her grandparents and relatives. Melvina attended Wetmore Street Elementary and T.R. Proctor High School. In 1957, she enrolled in Buffalo State Teacher’s College to study art. Melvina met Burnie Adams before college, and after she graduated, they were blissfully wed on July 27, 1963. They had a blessed union and shared over 57 years before Burnie’s passing on December 7, 2020. As a couple, they were known for their kindness and generosity Mel began her long career teaching art in 1961 at Staley, Clough, and Dewitt Elementary Schools in Rome, New York. She was a creative and innovative teacher who inspired her students and was well-remembered by those who were in her classes. She retired in 1999. Melvina was an artist, and her beautiful artwork will be a lasting legacy. She painted still life, nature scenes, and charcoal paintings of human forms. She was a member of the Munson Williams Proctor Art Institute, where her drawings and beautiful handmade paper books with black culture themes were exhibited. Sculpture Space was one of her passions and she also supported Pratt Munson College of Art and Design. Above all, her family became the masterpiece of her life. Melvina truly lived by the golden rule and was a wonderful mother to her sons and grandsons. Aunt Mel nourished a loving and influential relationship with her nieces and nephews. She saw great potential in them, and helped them to see the potential in themselves. Melvina was a long-time member of St. Paul’s Baptist Church. This community of faith was her second home. Mel was the art director for many of the church’s events. She taught Sunday School to many generations of the young members of the parish. Many will remember the Easter Pageants where Mel delighted in designing and creating the stage scenery. Melvina is survived by her sons, Bryan Reed Adams and his wife, Florence Barrau-Adams, and Jason Christopher Adams; she treasured the memory of her stepdaughter, Laverne who preceded her; she will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Maxen Burnard Adams; and Jalen Deshawn Adams. She will remain in the hearts of her siblings and their loves, Fred Reed, Jr. and his wife Carla Sorey-Reed, Margaret Reed-Shelton and Eugene, and Darlene Reed Shelton and her late husband Bernard Lee Shelton; many nieces and nephews, including Thomas Michael Reed and Jacqueline Morgan, Richard Malcolm Reed and his wife, Aleve, Roderick Reed, Nirvana Cobb-Jewell, Xavier Louis Reed; Marlene Reed-Hymes and her son, Jermar Reed Hymes; godson, Jeffrey McLeod; several aunts, uncles, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Hazel Strange (and the late Earl Strange), Mary Lou Henderson, Burma “Brenda” Adams and Eddie, Willis and Pearline Adams, John Adams, and Andrew Bowles (and the late Delia Mae Bowles).. She was preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Burnie, Sr., and Essie (Mobley) Adams. The family found comfort from the staff of Slocum-Dickson Medical Center. Aides who assisted Mel with kindness and trustworthiness, Yasmine and Lejuana. Their gentle and compassionate care of Melvina impressed her family, and they are forever grateful. The staff of the former MVHS at St. Elizabeth Hospital, MVHS Rehabilitation, Wynn Hospital, especially the 7th floor; each of these facilities had nurses and staff that were outstanding. A special note of appreciation is offered to Aide Clive (Wynn Hospital). During the final stages of Melvina’s life, the care given by the staff of the Abraham House was compassionate and provided great comfort. Visitation will take place on Friday, January 19, 2024, from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Baptist Church, 219 Leah St., Utica, NY. Melvina’s Home Going Service, and Celebration of Life will commence at noon at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Melvina’s honor may be made to the Abraham House online at www.theabrahamhouse.org; envelopes will also be available at the service.

Mrs. Melvina "Mel" (Reed) Adams

September 17, 1939 - January 10, 2024