Mr. Frederick Bertrand Adams

Frederick Bertrand Adams, known affectionately by his family and friends as Bertrand/Tronnie, departed this life on December 7, 2023, in Bluefield, West Virginia, at the age of 76. He was born on March 27, 1947, in Bluefield, Virginia to the late Frederick J. Adams and Jackie L. Bratton. Bertrand was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. Bertrand graduated as Valedictorian from Tazewell County High School in 1965, the last senior class to graduate from that institution. He then pursued his higher education at Norfolk State University before graduating from Bluefield State College (now Bluefield State University) in 1969 with a B.S. degree in Math and Science. Upon graduating from college, he enrolled in the Navy, proudly and honorably serving his country as a Naval pilot. After returning from the Navy, Bertrand first worked as an inmate hearing advisor at Bland Correctional Center and later transitioned into teaching Math and Science at Elkhorn Junior High School. Following his brief teaching career, Betrand worked as a locomotive engineer for Norfolk Southern Railroad until his health began declining, forcing him into early retirement. Bertrand was also a faithful member of Bethel United Methodist Church, serving over the years as an usher, Sunday School teacher, church photographer, choir pianist and Sunday School superintendent. Bertrand also served on the inaugural board of the Saunders House. He also enjoyed capturing moments with his camera, fishing, playing the piano, advocating for the rights of Black people within his community, and listening to Motown music. In addition to his parents, Bertrand was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Brady and Emmaline Adams, and his maternal grandparents, George (Jack) and Ruth Bratton, with whom he primarily resided during his childhood and often referred to as “Daddy” and “Mother”. He was also preceded in death by two siblings, Brady Adams and Stephanie Adams. Bertrand leaves to cherish his special memories, his caretaker and devoted and loving wife of 49 years, Doris Overton Adams, whom he often referred to as “Babe”, and with whom he would have celebrated 50 years of marriage on December 22, 2023. He is also survived by his children, Frederick Adams, II (April) and Bianca Adams; his grandchildren, Frederick Adams, III, Avary Adams, and Irene Brown; his siblings, Gail Wilson, Candace Adams, Marion Smith (Jeffery), Dianne Webber (Barry), and Kim Adams; special “brothers”, Gilbert Bratton and Jimmy Boyd (Stephenia); four nieces who he raised like his daughters: Latasha Buchanan (Tasha), Kaneisha (Javon) Buchanan-Paige, Keysonna Buchanan, and Shenella Buchanan; a special “niece” Stefanie Bratton, as well as a host of relatives, godchildren, and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, December 15, 2023, at Mercer Funeral Home located at 1231 W. Cumberland Road, Bluefield, WV 24701. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., with the Reverend Michael Bratton officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a monetary donation to Bethel United Methodist Church, Attention: Debra Neal (Church Treasurer), 130 Russell Street, Bluefield, Virginia 24605. The family wishes to thank everyone for their love, support, gifts, and prayers during this difficult time. The family also sends a special thank you to our MSA Hospice angels, Gail and Dreama, for making the past few years full of love and compassion.

Mr. Frederick Bertrand Adams

March 27, 1947 - December 7, 2023