Barbara Jean Brown

Life can only be full of activity and excitement if you’re raised with 16 siblings and two loving parents.

Barbara was the “performer” in the family. She did everything she could to get out of doing chores. She faked illness when it was time to go out in the field, hid the dishes so she didn’t have to wash them, and pretended her sister hurt her when she didn’t.

Her parents, Nathaniel and Bessie Mae Rucker certainly had their hands full in Belton, SC. There were nearly 80 acres of farmland, though they had many hands to help nurture their constantly growing family.

Barbara was one of six boys and 11 girls (she was number 14), born January 19, 1940. Growing up, she loved to dance and was close to her sisters Vermelle, Catherine, Thelma, and Frances.

After graduating high school, Barbara moved to Cleveland, Ohio with her sister Mattie. Several years later, she met and married Joe B. Adams. Nothing could have swelled her heart more than having her only daughter, Jodi. One of her greatest joys was being a mother.

While playing tennis at the Mill Creek Tennis Club, she met William “Bill” Brown. He said she was “the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen.” They were married for over 45 years.

Barbara had a passion for life and people. She was outgoing, inquisitive, always smiling, and enjoyed hosting “get-togethers” at her home for neighborhood friends and family. She was a woman of style, a “sharp” and “classy” dresser. A natural athlete, Barbara participated in bowling leagues, played racquetball, tennis, and golf. Her talents were especially evident on the golf course. During golf season, you could find her on the greens with Bill and the Glamour Girls Golf Club.

When not swinging a club, she was “Little Mommy” to Barry Fleming and Denetrius Albakour. She showered her four great-grandchildren Alaya Cruz, Elijah Cahl, Mario Adams, and Bryson Roberts with unconditional love.

Though involved in many activities, she made time for work and church. Barbara’s career included American Greetings and Bobbie Brooks. She retired from SK Wellman.

Barbara loved the Lord and served him since she accepted Christ as a child. If you talked to her, you would absolutely hear about His unconditional love. For over 40 years she was a “good and faithful” servant at East Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Before becoming ill, she served as an Usher, Deaconess, and in the Mattie Williams Missionary Circle.

Barbara’s parents and siblings Jeanette Massey, Lula Gantt, Nathaniel Rucker Jr., Alemina Chapman, Wilhelmenia Edwards, Mattie Hall, Tony Rucker, Benjamin Rucker, Alice Mae Henderson, Titus Rucker, Vermelle M. Rucker, and Thelma Jones preceded her journey to the Lord.

Her brothers, Isaiah Rucker and Frank Rucker, and sisters, Catherine Robinson and Frances Rucker, are four surviving Nathaniel and Bessie Mae’s 17 sons and daughters. 

On December 31, 2024, in Cleveland, OH, Barbara concluded her earthly chapter, leaving behind a legacy of joy, resilience, and unwavering determination. Though no longer with us in the flesh, Barbara’s spirit lives on in the love she showered on her friends and family, especially her husband, daughter, siblings, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, and nephews. 

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