DR. CLARA ISABEL ADAMS

Dr. Clara Isabel Adams was born in the Baltimore, Maryland , on January 20, 1933, to the later William S. Adams., and the Mary Emma Cornish Adams, She was the second daughter of five Adams Children. Clara departed this life on August 5, 2020. Clara was educated in Baltimore City Public Schools. And at Morgan State College (now Morgan State University), where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry. She later earned a Master of Science Degree at Iowa State State College and then went on to attain a Doctor of Philosophy Degree at the University of Massachusetts. Clara excepted Christ as her personal savior at a young age and was a lifelong member and faithful supporter of Christ United Methodist Church in East Baltimore. She was a gentle woman who loved to travel with her sisters and was renowned for her generosity, thoughtfulness and kindness. She was always searching out the perfect souvenir gift for her loved ones. Clara had a very distinguished career. While pursuing her Master's Degree in 1950s, she was a “ hidden figure” who worked as a search fellow at the Ames Laboratory of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. She later worked as a chemist at the national Heart Institute of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. Clara was also a lifelong educator who dedicated much of her time, energy, and wealth to the noble cause of educational equity and academic opportunity for all students of color in the United States. Her crowning achievement was her 60 years of service to Morgan State University. Beginning in 1958, she served in various roles of ever-increasing responsibility, including Professor of Chemistry, Chairperson of the Chemistry Department, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Special Assistant to the President. In August 0f 2018, at the seasoned age of 85, Clara retired to spend her remaining time with her loving family. Clara was highly committed to her community and the advancement of her people. Her deep roots in the community included membership in Epsilon Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,Inc.; membership on the Boards (Directors, Trustees and Overseers) of the national Aquarium, Morgan Christian and Interfaith Center, and the Baltimore School for the Arts; and a number of other community development, educational and cultural organizations. Clara leaves to cherish her memory: one sister, Gloria Adams Jones; one brother, Harold W. Adams; a brother-in-law, Marshall W. Jones, Jr.; three sisters-in-law, Regina Adams, Betty Adams, and Amy Adams; three nieces, Iris Bellamy(Reginald) of Maryland, Sharron Ward (Tory) of Virginia, and Marshell Jones Kumahor (Brian) of New Jersey; three nephews, Steven Adams )Marianrique) of Pennsylvania, Keith Tyler of Texas, and Damon Jenkins (Faye) of Pennsylvania; three great-nieces, Allysha Adams, Asia Adams, and Amir Adams; six great-nephews, Todd Shelton, Anatole Gboizo (Danielle), Thomas and David Newby, and Maxwell and Kingsley, Kumahor; one great great-niece, Adrielle Gboizo; and a host of other beloved relatives and friends.

Tributes

DR. CLARA ISABEL ADAMS

January 20, 1933 - August 5, 2020