Ella Louise Colbert Adams passed away on October 22, 2013. Devoted mother of Jacqueline and Donald Adams. Dear sister of the late Dorothy Ford and Bennie Colbert. Also survived by loving sisters in law Evelyn Colbert and Kat Dalton, and brother in law Nat Adams as well as many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the American Heart Association 20 Speen St. Framingham MA. 01701.
Louise was born in Dublin, LA, August 1, 1921. The first of three children, her early childhood was spent on her mother’s family farm, until her father was forced to leave the area due to the racial climate of that time. Her father relocated the family to Atlanta, GA. The new Colbert family home was 1250 Hunter St; now know as Martin Luther Blvd. Where Louise attend high school and Spellman University.
In 194? Louise meet a young man and followed him to Boston, MA. Although that relationship did not work out. At 6 foot tall Louise stayed in Boston. A bold move for a single woman. Louise was able to find shelter and employment and became a self made black woman of the 40’s. During this time Louise worked and lived at the Boston State Hospital location as an administrative assistant.
Somewhere during that time frame she met and fell in love with Grady Adams whom she married. She had two children, Jackie and Don and stayed married to Grady until he passed away in 1972. During the 1950’s and mid 1960’s Louise worked as a preschool instructor at the now prestigious Freedom House and Raytheon Electronic as an assembler. She then returned to work for the Commonwealth of MA, again as an administrative assistant. In the late 60’s and all of the 70’s Louise was involved in many job functions. At this time the American with Disabilities Act became law. This act was the center stone of Louise’s employment. Louise assisted in development of these programs which was community housing, training and independent living for people with disabilities. Other job duties were setting up conferences throughout the United State. She traveled to many different cities setting up information booths and distributing information. Louise retired from this position in 1985.
Then her life took on a whole new meaning. With friends and family Louise again traveled! From Boston to Atlanta, Texas, Chicago, LA, Florida, and many more locations. She had a love for travel; she spent many a day at friend’s homes in Hyannis and Plymouth MA. There was not a road in Cape Cod, MA that Louise didn’t know. All the while she drove herself without getting lost or feeling out of place. She was a true modern woman and she passed this outgoing attitude on to her children.
Although Louise never re-married, she was never alone with her many friends and family, she was always in their life and was loved dearly.