Johnie L. McAdams

Johnie Lee McAdams, affectionately known as John Lee, was born July 21, 1927, in Blytheville, Arkansas to Frank and Lily McAdams. He was one of five children to this union: Frank Jr., Mildred, James, Johnie and Thedow. He grew up farming and attended Harrison High School in Blytheville. He knew Shirley Jean Robinson as they grew up in the same town before moving to Little Rock, Arkansas.   

He married her and they moved to Cleveland, Oh in 1952.  To their union were nine children: Brenda, Johnny, Venita, Theresa, Celeste, Ronald, Michael, Steven and Clifford.  

Johnie worked very hard in the steel yard downtown until he became a business owner of an auto shop in Cleveland, where he taught his boys and anyone in the neighborhood his love of auto body work.  He worked in the shop until he was physically unable to do so. 

He accepted Christ in his 40’s.  He joined the fellowship as being a Senior Deacon and on the Board of Trustees at New Jerusalem COGIC. He then became a member at Jonas Temple for the past 7 years under the leadership of Bishop C.L. Kimbrough.  

He was also known as “Shouting John” for he never passed up an opportunity to worship in dance. You would often find John Lee and Shirley at the church covering others in prayer. He shared the love of Christ with anyone who would listen, especially at his shop. He enjoyed spending time with his family, telling stories and watching his westerns. He never met a stranger that did not become part of the family or circle of friends. 

He was proceeded in death by his parents, his wife Shirley Jean McAdams, son Johnny McAdams, his daughter in love Rose Marie McAdams and his brothers.  

He fought a short bout of illness and gained his wings on Thursday, February 4, 2021. Although our hearts are heavy, we enjoyed his life here on earth for 93 wonderful years. Johnie is survived by his children Brenda, Venita (Allen), Theresa (Roderick), Celeste (Randy), Ronald (Dwila), Michael (Donna), and Clifford, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones. 

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