Dorothy Delona (Allen) Adams

Dorothy Delona Allen Adams, age 92, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, January 16, 2026.

Dorothy was born on December 1, 1933, in New Madrid County, Lilbourn, Missouri, to Newton and Velda Allen. She was the fourth of eleven children and spent most of her life in Rome, Georgia, a place she always considered home.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 73 years, Charles D. Adams, whom she married on September 15, 1950. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Newton and Velda Allen, her son Tony Adams (USMC) and daughter Tammie Picklesimer and by her siblings Roy Allen, George Allen, Allen “Baby” Allen, Dale Allen, and Glenda Allen.

Dorothy was a strong, devoted family matriarch who believed that family always came first, no matter the distance, the day, or the weather. Family reunions were sacred to her, and her home was the gathering place for loved ones near and far. Known for her Southern hospitality, Dorothy expressed love through her cooking and baking, ensuring that no one ever left her home hungry.

Dorothy is survived by her children and their spouses: Gene Adams (U.S. Navy, Retired) and Claire Adams; Mike Adams (U.S. Marines) and Teresa Adams; and Dwayne and Dondra Trotter, all of Rome, Georgia. Dwayne was raised by Dorothy and Charles, treated as a son and brother, and was deeply loved as part of the family.

She was the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren, Jonathan, Joshua, Jeremy, Scottie, Tonya, Jason, and Jesse, and the cherished great-grandmother of fifteen great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind one great-great-grandchild, with two more expected, each of whom brought her immense joy.

Dorothy began working at a young age as a teen bride employed at a local bakery in Rome, Ga. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, she worked as a waitress near Bowling Green State University, where her exceptional cooking abilities were quickly recognized. She was soon moved into the kitchen, preparing Southern meals and baking desserts that became well known and loved.

In the mid-1960s, the family relocated to Conyers, Georgia, where Dorothy worked at Western Auto for six years. During this time, she and Charles purchased and successfully operated a Texaco gas station with full auto mechanics.

In 1970, the family returned to Rome, Georgia, where Dorothy and Charles purchased a Gulf gas station on Turner McCall Boulevard, followed by a second station on Shorter Avenue in West Rome in 1974. They later owned two independent gas stations in Panama City, Florida.

In 1977, the late Rev. George Adams, Charles’s older brother, encouraged the couple to return to Rome to begin a construction business. After returning, Dorothy later worked at Coosa Bakery, where she remained until a heart attack led to her medical retirement.

In 1980, Dorothy and Charles built their home on Barker Road SW, near the Adams homestead. In 1986, their eldest son Gene, after retiring from 26 years of naval service, purchased the family home so Dorothy and Charles could enjoy lake life in Lake Weiss, Alabama.

The couple returned permanently to Rome in 2008, settling on Elliott Drive NW, where they spent their final years surrounded by their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and remaining siblings.

Dorothy will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to family, her generosity, and her open heart. Her home was always a place of welcome, whether for a meal, a conversation, or comfort in difficult times. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and togetherness that will continue through generations.

Services

A family and friends visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Good Shepherd Funeral Home, with Pastor David Brooks officiating. A graveside service will follow at Oaknoll Memorial Gardens.

Good Shepherd Funeral Home is honored to have been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dorothy Delona (Allen) Adams, please visit our floral store.