On September 8, 1954, at Norfolk Community Hospital, the world was graced with a gift and her name was Marie Ann Spears. She was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and Isaac Spears Sr. She was the eldest of seven siblings, a devoted wife, a loving mother, grandmother, cousin, and aunt. Marie had a warm and inviting smile; and showed compassion, kindness, and patience to everyone she encountered.
Marie began her academic career attending Our Lady of Victory and Holy Angels Catholic schools. In 1973, she attended Manor High School where she was part of the very first graduating class. While in high school, Marie was in numerous clubs such as drama and ecology. She was an energetic cheerleader and graduated as a proud Mustang. After high school, she attended VCU in pursuit of a career in nursing. After two years of college, she returned home to the Tidewater area where she met the love of her life Luther Adams Jr. (aka Buster). Together, Marie and Luther shared their love for music, the beach, jamming out at many concerts, and hosting fun cookouts. They were married on July 15, 1978, at Holy Angels Church in Portsmouth. In this union, she became the amazing woman we now know as Marie S. Adams. Shortly after marriage, Marie and Luther started a family and had two beautiful daughters, Candace and Shanna.
Marie was devoted to her church home, The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception. She served the church and was a member of many ministries including Altar Server, an Inspirational Choir member, a Eucharistic Minister, a Youth Leader, and a volunteer server in the soup kitchen. She also honored God and was an evangelist at heart. She had an anointing of helping people looking for a church home to find one that many still attend to this day. She was a member of the local PTA and volunteered often at Ghent Elementary.
Marie’s love for nursing continued as she completed the nursing program at the Norfolk VOTECH Center. After graduating, she began her nursing journey in the Diabetic ward at DePaul Hospital. Her charismatic personality and “can do” attitude inspired many of her colleagues to be more passionate. Her will to assist in the community extended to her role as a pharmacy nurse in the clinic, serving low-income families. Later, she went to work at Sentara ACC where she later retired.
In 2011, Marie was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. She bravely fought cancer and went into remission for 13 years. In that time, she was a huge inspiration to others who were battling breast cancer by showing her courage and perseverance. We were blessed with many years of fun and additional time to make more memories.
Marie is survived in life by her loving husband, Luther Adams Jr., daughters, Candace Jones, and Shanna (Rontaze) Eley. Nine grandchildren, Dominic (Emely) Jones, Charles Jones III, SGT Chloe Jones, Amiya Jones, Sadiq Bengono, Soleil Bengono, Rainey Jones, Leila Eley, and Seven Jones. Six siblings, Isaac Spears II., Barbara Nesbitt, Joanna Terrell (Bryan), Veronica Anderson (Cecil), Margaret Graves, and Elizabeth (Raymond) Varner. Her memory will be honored by numerous nieces, nephews, and beloved family members.
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Janet Reid says
June 22, 2024 at 7:10 pmI am sorry for your loss Luther and to your family. May her soul rest in Christ’s peace.
Janet Reid
Herman Cox says
June 23, 2024 at 2:33 pmWhile I am saddened by the loss of Marie, I am happy I got a chance to give her flowers while she could still smell them and thankful to be on the receiving end of a very sincere and gracious thank you from her during her final days. A family friend and a neighbor for many years, she will be sorely missed by me and my family.
Zaneta A. Bailey says
June 23, 2024 at 7:34 pmPlease accept my sincere condolences. My prayers are with you Mr. Luther and your family. May Ms. Marie rest in heavenly peace.
Cornelia Clemmons says
June 24, 2024 at 11:51 amMy prayers and sincere condolences are extended to you-Buster and family. Take comfort in knowing she is at peace, resting in the arms of our Lord.
Linda and Terry says
June 25, 2024 at 10:30 amTo our Marie flying high,know that you are with God.No more pain.Thank you for the love and caring you showed us.We will miss you Terry and Linda Adams with love.
Ebony and Darren Amos says
June 26, 2024 at 1:15 pmAunt Marie,
You were a beautiful soul who always offered a smile and kind word.
Your grace and spirit will live on in your children, grandchildren and all you encountered.
Uncle Buster, Candace and Shanna…
We Love You and will pray for your continued strength.
Nancy Thomas says
June 26, 2024 at 11:06 pmBuster, this is your cousin and we have not seen each other since we have been adults. My big brother (Jerry) told me of the loss of your wife. I just want to send you and your family my deepest sympathy. She has gone from labor to reward.
Alice Holder says
June 27, 2024 at 6:30 pmMy sincere condolences to you Luther and your family.
I pray that you find comfort and peace in knowing Marie is resting with our Almighty God.
donna Hampton says
June 28, 2024 at 1:14 pmTo you and your family Ms.Jones, sorry for the loss of your mother, I pray for your continued strength and comfort in many days to come.
Love Ms.Hampton
Dorothy Williams says
June 28, 2024 at 4:59 pmFamily,
We are sad to lose our beloved classmate, cheerleader & friend. Marie’s spirit will forever be in our hearts. We are diligently praying for you
Sincerely,
Manor High School
Class of 1973🔴⚫⚪