Ada M. Locklear

Mother Ada Joe Locklear, daughter of the late Aaron Joe and Mariah Backus Joe, was born on April 15, 1925 in Darlington, South Carolina. She was joined in marriage to Collin Locklear of Baltimore, Maryland. On April 2, 2017, after a brief illness, God saw fit to call her home. She received her education in the Darlington County Public School System. In the 1940s, Mother Locklear moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where she made her home. She then went back to school to obtain her certificate as a nurse's assistant. Mother Locklear was a hard worker and was willing to help out where ever needed. In her early years, she worked as a Watkins representative and she also worked for the Jewish Association, as a personal companion. Later, Mother Locklear refused to lie about her qualification to obtain a job at Carr Lowery Glass Co. and God opened the door for her to work for Maryland State Senator Dolf as a personal caregiver with better benefits. Mother Ada, as she was affectionately known, also traveled to work at Esther Manor in Bowling Green, Virginia a a personal caregiver. Mother Locklear was a devout believer in the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. While in Baltimore, Mother attended services at various churches, most notably, she joined Mt. Zion Apostolic Faith Church, under the leadership of Bishop Edith A. Mangum. During her brief return to South Carolina, she was a member of the Glorious Apostolic Faith Church under the leadership of her sister, the late, Pastor Roceda Hines. Upon her return to Baltimore, Maryland, Mother Locklear followed the spiritual guidance and example set by her daughter, Dr. Naomi Collins Bailey and later became the first Mother of the The Philadelphia Church of Apostolic Faith, under the leadership of her daughter, Pastor Naomi C. Bailey. The very first church service of the The Philadelphia Church of he Apostolic Faith was held in Mother and Deacon Locklear's apartment in the Monument East Building in East Baltimore. Mother was a praiser and was known for clapping, jumping, and singing for the Lord. During testimony service, Mother would often say, "I thank God for giving me my Holy Ghost back". Mother would encourage the saints that whatever they were going through to, "Let Go and Let God". Mother had many other saying of encouragement including, "God has a Way that's Mightly sweet" and "He's sweet I know." Mother Locklear had a love for souls. She would witness to anyone about getting saved and the importance of receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. She was a woman of great faith and believed that she could do all things through Christ that strengthened her. Even on her hospital bed, Mother Locklear requested that we come together and pray. Mother Locklear knew and believed in the power of prayer! Mother loved her family and enjoyed taking trips with her daughter to historical locations. In particular she enjoyed the Smithsonian Institute and the Great Blacks in Wax Museum. Mother loved spending time with her family and friends and was always ready to impart wisdom to the younger generations. Mother had a very serious but comical side when it came to handling her purse. Those who knew Mother, can attest that she didn't go anywhere without her purse, not even to the beach... Mother also enjoyed cooking and she was an excellent cook. She was known all over for her sweet potato pudding and overall delicious food dishes. She could get the most finicky eaters to enjoy her scrumptious cracklin' cornbread. Mother Locklear leaves to cherish hr memory: her beloved husband, Deacon Colin Leacklear, 1 daughter, Pastor Naomi C. Bailey, 1 son, James Collins Jr., 1 son-in-law, Robert Bailey Sr., 1 daughter-in-law Barbara Collins, 10 grandchildren, Prophet Robert Bailey, Jr., Elder Rodney M. Bailey, Kenneth Bailey, Rachel N. Bailey, Renita Collins-Lekwuwa, LaTonya Collins, Joanne Richardson, Tony Flemmings, Michael Flemmings & Gregory Flemmings, 12 great-grandchildren, Apostle Jacquez Gardner-Bailey, Lakia Bailey, Rodney Bailey Jr., Darius Bailey, Jada Bailey, Marcus Bailey, Malshauna Hamm, Malcolm Hamm III, Renaya Lekwuwa, Rashad Collins, Gary Flemmings and Charlene Richardson, 5 great, great-grandchildren, 3 godsons, Bishoop Joseph Hines, Ray McNeil (Deceased) & Drew Bennett, 1 godaughter Cynthia Nance a host of nieces and nephews, relatives, church family and friends. She was preceded in death by her daughters, Martha English & Francis Flemmings, her 16 brothers and sisters, 2 grand-daughters, Sharon Flemmings and Janice English, and her very close friend, Minister Edith W. Thompson.

Tributes

Ada M. Locklear

April 15, 1925 - April 2, 2017