Ezola B. Adams

Ezola B. Adams, 91, of Maplewood, NJ died of natural causes on June 12,2023. She was born November 23, 1931 in Roselle, NJ to Henry and Halsie Jackson Bolden. The youngest of 5 children Ezola was always a dedicated student and attended the Manual Training and Industrial School (MTIS) in Bordentown, NJ. She then attended Newark State Teachers School and graduated in 1953. Ezola began her career as the only African American teacher in Union County, teaching kindergarten. After receiving her Master's degree Ezola became a guidance counselor at Westfield High School.Her role at the school and in the black community was invaluable in placing our children in colleges. Ezola continued her education and in 1977 she received her doctorate in education from Rutgers University. Her dissertation was " The Role and Function of the Manual Training School at Bordentown as an Alternative School, 1915-1955."

In 1965 Ezola introduced her family to Martha's Vineyard Island where she summered and lived for 58 years. She loved the island and the Cottagers, a group of African American women home owners who provide camaraderie and community on Island. Ezola also loved the Links,Incorporated. She was both a proud member of the Essex County (NJ) Chapter and the Magnolia (GA) Chapter. 

Ezola is survived by her husband of 70 years, Earl L. Adams Jr. , her children Earl III, Barry (Vickee), and Robbi Struzziery, her grandchildren Earl IV, Jordan, Spencer, Barry, and her loving sister Margaret along with many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her grandson Ellington Adams.

The family asks that instead of flowers, expressions of grief should be directed to Dr. Ezola Adams' beloved Cottagers Inc. in her name:

The Cottagers, Incorporated

57 Pequot Avenue

P.O. Box 2595

Oak Bluffs, MA  02557

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