Dorothy J. (aka Dotty, Dot, D.A, D., Dorth) Adams, 95, of Portsmouth, died Sunday, November 9, 2025 at SOMC Hospice. She was born August 21, 1930 in Portsmouth, to the late Raymond E. and Eileen (Montavon) Adams.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Ruth Adams, brother-in-law, George Hussey, and three nephews, Michael Adams, Robert D. Schuyler, and James A. Schuyler.
Dotty acquired a spirit of independence and throughout her life she valued her independence, sometimes to a fault. She was a 1947 graduate of St. Mary High School in Portsmouth and a Magna cum laude graduate of St. Mary of the Springs College in 1951. Her employment included; Administrative Specialist with Ohio Department of Public Welfare, Secretary Diocese of Columbus Department of Education, clerk Scioto County Probate Court, Congregation of Jesus Crucified in Devon, PA, Accountant Diocese of Cleveland Catholic Charities, and 14 years as Financial Secretary Diocese of Columbus Catholic Social Services from which she retired on disability in 1978. She was a member of St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church and Dominican Laity St. Patrick Church.
Dotty is survived by a sister, Joan Hussey of Portsmouth, seven nieces, Linda Turner of Brielle, NJ, Teresa Mullanney (Nate) of Cincinnati, Carolyn Creagh (Charles) of Bokellia, FL, Nancy Morris of Columbus, Christine Adams (Jerry Kraft) of Ashville, Suellen Schuyler of Portsmouth, Judy Shoemaker (Stephen) of McDermott, and Joanna Zaph (Jeff) of South Shore, KY, and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
Dorothy’s motto: Keep smiling; it makes people wonder what you are up to. Prayers requested for her eternal peace and rest.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM Thursday, November 13, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth.
In lieu of flowers, please have a mass read in Dorothy’s memory.