Mrs. Ernestine Vanessa (Jones) Adams, affectionately known and loved by many as Vanessa, age 66, peacefully passed from this life on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 3:03 p.m. at Lima Memorial Hospital in Lima, Ohio.

Ernestine was born on July 20, 1960, in Lima, Ohio, to Cleven Jones Sr. and Ann Ruth King, both of whom preceded her in death.

Vanessa was a devoted homemaker who found great joy in caring for her family and the people she loved. She was well known for her cooking, her generous heart, and the love and care she freely gave to those around her. Her family and friends will always remember the warmth of her home, the meals she prepared, and the special way she made people feel loved and welcomed.

Ernestine was a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, where she found fellowship and spiritual strength.

On August 9, 1991, Ernestine was united in holy matrimony with James Henry Adams. They shared their lives together until his passing on October 10, 2002.

She leaves to cherish her memory her two sons, Prentice M. Jones of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Josiah A. Mathews (Wilson Willocks) of Madison, Alabama; three stepsons, James H. Cook, Phillip Cook, and Steven Adams; one daughter, Zai'Lee Shine of Lima, Ohio; and four stepdaughters, Kenyetta Russell, Elise Anderson, Sherita Cook, and Tina Griffin.

She leaves two grandchildren, QwaShawnda Dewitt and Mar'Quvious Dewitt, and nine great-grandchildren.

Vanessa is also survived by three brothers, Timothy (Beth Ann) Counce of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Pastor Cleven Jones, and Toni Jones, both of Lima, Ohio; five stepbrothers, Lewis (Sandra) Shine Sr., Jimmie L. Shine, Dennis Shine, Larry Shine, and Christopher E. Shine; three sisters, Willa “Ms. Ebony” (Jake) Miles of Lima, Ohio, Arnetus Young of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Glenda Winchester of Dayton, Ohio; and two stepsisters, Margie A. Foster and Sarah J. Shine and one special sister-in-law Daisy Jones.

She also leaves one special son of the heart, Terrance “Peanut” Manley, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended relatives, and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, James Henry Adams, Ernestine was preceded in death by her daughter, Latrinna T. Jones; two stepchildren, Denise Williams and Kevin Adams; one great-granddaughter, Ma'Laya Dewitt; four siblings, Patricia Sanders, Mose Sanders Jr., Reginald Counce, and Shavone Jones; and three special siblings, Anthony Hurley, Alice Allison and Gloria Russell.

Vanessa will be remembered for her loving heart, her gift of cooking, and the many ways she cared for those she loved. Her presence brought comfort, laughter, love, and togetherness to those fortunate enough to know her.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church at 10:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Interment: Woodlawn Cemetery

Services entrusted to: JONES-CLARK FUNERAL HOME, INC.

To order flowers and to offer condolences to the Adams Family, visit www.jonesclarkfuneralhome.com