Johnette Adams (Lansing)

WONDERFUL LIFE OF
JOHNETTE "NETTE" YVONNE ADAMS

"But our commonwealth is in Heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will change our lowly body to be like His glorious body, by the power which enables Him even to subject all things to Himself." Philippians 3:20-21

On Sunday, January 22, twenty-two days into the year of our Lord 1937, Arnold and Ocie Mae Hall were blessed with a beautiful baby girl, Johnette Yvonne Hall in the city of Bessemer and the state of Alabama. Johnette grew up in the Christian home of her paternal grandparents John and Estell Hall where every Sunday and Wednesday were worship days. After being baptized at an early age, she united with First Baptist Church in Bessemer knowing that "whosoever believe in Him shall have everlasting life". John 3:16. Little Miss Hall ministered diligently at First Baptist singing songs of worship and playing the piano.

As a young scholar, Miss Johnette attended school in Bessemer graduating from the famed Paul William Dunbar High School under principal Jackson Solomon Abrams in 1955. While attending high school she immersed herself in black culture studying the works of Laurence Dunbar, James Baldwin and W.E.B. Du Bois. Dunbar High was privileged to have Johnette as their Drum Majorette. Her fast baton twirling, tosses and catches often captivated the audiences as she high stepped the marching band onto the field.

After graduation, Johnette joined her parents in Lansing, Michigan, and soon established herself in the community. She attended Collins AME Church and continued her education at Lansing Business University. “Lansingites" remembers Johnette as being the pretty girl working behind the counter at Kalush and Sons Grocery Store. She was featured in Jet Magazine in 1959 for being crowned “Queen of Lansing Black Golfers.” Always true to her musical background Johnette played piano for the late Rev. Rosa Porter, accompanying her throughout the city playing what was Porters trademark song, May the Life I live Speak for Me.

Johnette soon moved to Chicago, Il and was employed by North Shore Hotel for 20-years. There she met and married George Evans. To this union a child was born, Mitzi Denise. The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. Johnette was born for motherhood she knew at the age of 14 that whenever she had a baby girl, she would name her Mitzi Denise after her oldest niece. Only God himself can fully appreciate the influence of a Christian mother in the molding of the character of her children. For Johnette there was no greater joy than being Mitzi’s mother. She taught her daughter well; Mitzi learned the importance of keeping Christ first in her life, the true meaning of family, respect, determination, and value of hard work and education. " Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die; following the death of her husband, Johnette moved to Sacramento, California and married her childhood friend, Ronald Adams. Outer beauty attracts but inner beauty captivates. Johnette’s personality captivated those she came into contact with. An inner beauty that emanated from within; flawless skin that glowed, a gentle spirit who loved laughter.

In the blink of an eye, I never got to say goodbye, you were gone too soon: Death that came without warning, Sgt. Master Ronald W. Adams passed away in 1997. A tragic loss such as this would have broken most, but Johnette’s faith was firmly anchored in the Lord. When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted - Psalm 138:3. It was His strength that allowed her to get up, regroup and continue to live. She did that by moving to Nevada where she eventually met, who were to become her two BFFs, Tyra Reed, and Sherry Evans; The Golden Girls. The three ladies enjoyed attending church, going out to their favorite casinos and eateries: Golden Corral, IHop, and Cracker Barrel.

A traveler, Johnette and her daughter frequently took road trips across the country. A cheerful spirit Nette enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life and never met a stranger. She loved to read, write letters to family and friends, roller skating, and watch the TV Soaps and Judge Judy.

Even as she grew in age, Johnette continued to be feisty and adamant about her independence, buying a new car at the age of 82.

In 2018 Johnette moved to Southgate, Michigan, to be close to her daughter. Every Sunday Johnette and Mitzi would start the day with the newspaper, coffee and donuts before getting lost on daily excursions. At the end of the day, she would enjoy her favorite treat; milk poured over a bowl of ice cream.

“For my daughter, God has poured out His spirit and His blessing on my child that she should flourish like the grass of the meadow and a poplar tree by a flowing stream. She will say, “I belong to the Lord.” Isaiah 44:3-5

In the midnight hours of approximately 11:56 pm on her 84th birthday, January 22, 2021, Johnette Yvonne Adams left this earthly vessel to rejoice in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Waiting to welcome her in paradise: Parents; grandparents; two brothers: Arnold L. “Bugs” Hall, Jr., Alfred B. “Tot” Hall, Sr., and a host of other relatives and friends.

Forever cherishing her memory: Daughter, Mitzi Denise Evans-Winston; brother, Tommy Bowie; the decedents of the John Hall Family, sister-in-love extraordinaire, Mildred L. Hall, best friends; Tyra and Sherry and many other friends and acquaintances.

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