Bishop Sherman Adams made his final move June 20, 2019 and relocated from this earthly home to his new address in heaven. It is one he preached about, sang about, dreamed of, and best of all, prepared for.
The young Adams was the son of a farmer and Pentecostal prayer warrior, the oldest of twin boys born to Winnie Bascom and Mittie Lou Galloway Adams. He was one of six children, and preceded in death by brothers: L.V., Raymond, Thurman (his twin) and Ray. The only living sibling and only girl is Hattie Brasher.
On September 25, 1954, he married the love of his life, a sweet shy country girl named Jessie Faye Adams. She would prove to be his life partner and devoted spouse the next 64 years. Their union would bring five sweet babies into the world: Jerry Wayne (deceased), Billy Wayne (Charlotte), Lesa, Brenda (Terry) and Sherman Dwayne (as is obvious by the names of these boys, “Wayne” was favorite); grandchildren, Seth Adams (Stephani), Caleb Brasher Adams, Lacie Lanee’ Sistruck (Brandon), Zachery Adam Cook (Brittany), Kelsi Alexandra Watson, Shelby Lynn Adams, Mallorie Gabrielle Adams; deceased granddaughter, Candice René Adams; great grandchildren, Noah Mason Adams, Anna Kate Adams, Jonah Asher Adams, Cashe Adam Cook, Stella Joy Cook, preceded in death by Alexia Lanee’ Sistruck, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Without a doubt today, he would tell you the best decision of his life happened at a little church in Bruce. On that fateful night in 1960, he left the church to sit in the car, rolling up the windows in an attempt to escape the sounds of the service. While sitting in that car the very presence of the Mighty God engulfed him. He said he ran back into the church and fell at an altar asking Jesus into his heart. He joined the church shortly after. That decision would forever change his destiny and not only his, but also impact the lives of many.
In just a short time (1962), he found himself pastoring a little church that officials were considering closing. Almost a year later in 1963, he was ordained as a minister. His love and compassion for people became his driving force. It was with little formal education, but lots of determination and a great love for His Lord, that he would begin the humbling and rewarding life of a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He did not take his commission to serve lightly. He served with everything he had. He used every means he had at his disposal for the appointed job. His phone became his nearest and dearest constant companion, calling to check on everyone. Beginning the conversation with the infamous question, “Are you doing ok?” He moved his little family around the state, pastoring and loving people. His simple approach to ministry proved to be very successful, “just love people to Jesus”. Then on November 30, 1977, he received his Bishop’s license.
To his beloved church family, the Church of God of Prophecy, he is best known as Brother Sherman, and to his grands and great grands he is known as Papa. His love for this church and his friends is without rival. He always simply loved seeing his many friends and hearing their voices on the phone. He lived a simple life but was honored to share what he had been blessed with in both word and deed. He was generous and hard working. He helped build and remodel churches and parsonages and never blinked at the challenge. With God’s help, he always found a way to give to his God, provide for his family, and bless others along the way.
In later years, he found himself with failing health and living not as independently as he would have liked, but surrounded by the love of a family that adored him. His desire to go to God’s house did not fade with years, it only deepened, he so loved to go and feel the sweet presence and nearness of his beloved Lord. Without fail, he ended his days with family prayer. This sweet circle always included hands grasped together, heads bowed, hearts lifted, and voices raised with thanksgiving and petitions for family and friends. The list of names called out sometimes seemed endless.
His funeral service was Sunday at Bethany Church of God of Prophecy in Okolona. The graveside service was at Taylor Church of God of Prophecy in Vardaman.