Jacqueline Seay Adams, 82, passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Newport News, Virginia.
Jackie was born in Norfolk but spent the last 56 years in Newport News, where she built a joyful life rooted in family, friendship, and love.
A self-proclaimed graduate of the “School of Hard Knocks,” Jackie turned her love of shopping, traveling, and making people smile into a long and fulfilling career at Busch Gardens Entertainment. She spent over two decades in the merchandising department, where she brought energy, humor, and heart to everything she did.
Jackie’s greatest pride, however, was her family. Affectionately known as “Grandma J,” she embodied the spirit of a true Southern matriarch—strong, poised, loyal, and full of wit. She had a gift for hospitality and made everyone feel like family, whether they were neighbors, classmates, or friends of her son or grandchildren.
Jackie volunteered with Cub Scouts, Denbigh Youth Baseball, and Sanford Pee Wee Football. She was also known as the go-to “team taxi driver,” always happy to shuttle kids to and from games and practices. She later served as an administrative volunteer at B.C. Charles Elementary School.
Jackie was fun-loving and always brought laughter to every room—quick with a one-liner, never one to miss a good party, and known to break into song at just the right moment. Her joyful spirit and effortless ability to make others smile will be deeply missed by all who loved her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jane Bullock Bowers and Warren W. Bowers. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Calvin Dale Adams; her son, David Warren Adams (Lisa); grandchildren Michael Sean Adams (Anna), Danielle Adams Smotkin (Eddie), and Neil Anthony Doldo (Faith); six great-grandsons— Gerard, Caleb, Benjamin, Anthony, Dominic, and Vincent; her sister, Mary B. Novean; niece, Lindsey N. Betts (Weston); and great-nieces, Marin and Norah.
A memorial service will be held at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Newport News on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., officiated by The Rev. Anne Kirchmier. A repast will follow in the church parish hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Operation Smile, in memory of Jackie.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Dr. Libby Palumbo at Hidenwood TPMG, Gentiva Hospice, Reflection of Christ Personal Care, and Warwick Forest Evergreen for their compassionate care.
4 Comments
So sorry to hear of Jackie’s passing. My condolences to Calvin and her family. I enjoyed working with Jackie at Busch Gardens and the many NASCAR races with her and Calvin. Rest in Peacce my friend.
Sincere condolences to all of the family. It is apparent that she impacted many people with her energy and her willingness to serve people. May she now rest in peace while her family, friends and those many people she blessed hold wonderful memories of her in their hearts.
Very sorry for the loss of this dear family member and friend. What a testament to such a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother and community member. She was truly a gift from God to the world.
Sincere symapthy for the loss of a much loved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. What an amazing spirit-filled woman who will be missed and whose memory will be cherished! May she rest in peace and may God’s love surround and comfort you.