The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Longtime Elyria NAACP, community leader dies
Thelma Adams, a longtime Elyria community leader and former NAACP president, died during the weekend.
Adams led the organization for more than 20 years as president of the Elyria Unit of the NA ACP in more than 60 years as a member.
Current president Dee Tolbert remembered Adams as someone who stood up for everyone, regardless of creed.
“She was a fearless leader, and she believed in equal rights and justice for all people,” Tolbert said. “She will be greatly missed in this community.”
Tolbert recalled growing up with Adams on Elyria’s south side and raising their children together and that she always was a forwardthinking individual.
“Thelma was a very strong-willed person about what she believed in,” Tolbert said. “If there was something wrong in the community, she wouldn’t just get brushed off; she would find a solution.”
As a leader, Adams was remembered as a no-nonsense person who truly believed in the spirit of the NAACP.
“She has been a strong force in this community,” Tolbert said. “She has been an overwhelming force in the NAACP.
“She was a wonderful person, a no-nonsense person, and she just wanted the organization to do what it needed to do ... If you were not treated right, we will do the biggest part to help solve their problems.”
The Elyria NAACP remembered Adams in a statement on its Facebook page.
“Our deepest condolences are expressed to the family and many lives touched by the passing of such a tremendous leader, Thelma Adams,” the post read. “Ms. Adams was a courageous advocate for many in the community.
“Her outspoken nature was respected and understood, the perspective of her life’s lens was one to be admired. Prayers are extended to her family at this hour.”
Lorain Branch NAACP President E. Jean Wrice remembered Adams as a trailblazer in becoming the first female president of her branch in the 1980s.
“She served several years in the community. She held key positions in the political arena and she was also very concerned with education,” Wrice said. She was a proud woman.”
Adams most recently served as second vice president in the Elyria NAACP following elections in October 2018.
She was honored by Tolbert with the President’s Award at the 2017 Freedom Fund Banquet in addition to receiving the National Federation of Democratic Women’s Humanitarian Award in 2004.
Adams formerly served as an assistant state auditor and served with many local boards and organizations.
Funeral arrangements are pending.