Ellen Griggs Adams was born on July 24, 1932 in Machen (Jasper County), Georgia to Howard and Lena Mae Griggs. The eldest of two children, she was baptized at an early age and often sang with her sister Arlene at churches in the area.

As  a teenager, Ellen met the love of her life in Covington, Georgia, the late Samuel C. Adams Sr. They were united in holy matrimony on August 28, 1950. Their union was blessed with four children: Saundra, Karen, Samuel and Cheryl. 

Ellen and Samuel raised their family in Cleveland, Ohio, where Ellen enjoyed a banking career spanning more than 25 years. She held supervisory positions at multiple financial institutions. Ellen was a very strong supporter of her children’s education and activities. She taught young students about banking and leadership as an advisor for the Junior Achievement program. Ellen also really enjoyed caring for her granchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ellen truly loved her family, the Lord and her church. She served on the Pastor Parish Relations committee and as Finance Chairperson at Werner United Methodist Church. She took great pride in giving her time and talents, especially organizing bus trips to Niagara Falls and New York City as successful church fundraisers. She continued her faithful service at Celebration United Methodist Church.

Ellen departed this life on March 2, 2022. Her husband Samuel, daughter Karen and grandsom Allen Travis III preceded her in death. She leaves behind her daughter Saundra, son Samuel C. Adams Jr., daughter Cheryl (Kenneth) Parker, sister Arlene Griggs Mosely, grandson Andrew Adams, granddaughters Lena and Cecilla Parker, great-grandson Jabri Young, great-graddaughter Aries Adams, great-great granddaughter Ja’ona Hough, Cianna Young and Ka’Mela Miles and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

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