Jennifer René Adams, 61, of New Haven, Connecticut, transitioned peacefully on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 under Hartford Healthcare/Connecticut Hospice care. She was born on November 29, 1964. She was the cherished daughter of Bobby Gene Adams and Frances Adams-Kelly, both of New Haven, CT.

Jennifer attended New Haven Public Schools and graduated from James Hillhouse High School in 1982. She was an astute student and was inducted into the National Honor Society. Also, as a young child, Jennifer was enrolled in the James B. Comer Early Learning Center, as well as the Yale Child Study Program. In her high school years, a passion in her was ignited to become a teacher. Jennifer’s goal was to teach children with special needs. She enrolled in Southern Connecticut State University Special Education program for the Fall semester of 1982.

On August 8, 1965, Jennifer was baptized as an infant into the African Methodist Episcopal Church at its former location, 31 Sperry Street, New Haven, under the pastoral leadership of the late Rev. Lonni P. Herring, Jr. She grew up in the church attending children’s church school under the supervision of the late David S. Busch. Jennifer was a Brownie in the Girl Scouts of Connecticut led by the late Sister Eva M. McAulay. Jennifer participated in many of the children’s Easter and Christmas plays. Also, into her adolescence and teenage years, she served on the Junior Usher Board under the supervision of her mother, Sister Frances Adams and Sister Mary McClammy, both Senior Ushers. In 1975, at the completion of a newly built church, Jennifer was among the church members who said farewell to 31 Sperry Street, New Haven, and she marched with the members to the New Church located at 255 Goffe Street, New Haven, CT.

Later into her adult life, Jennifer moved here membership to Macedonia Church of God in Christ in New Haven, CT under the leadership of Bishop Hester Bordeaux. She was a devoted worshiper, but she soon became ill and life became a struggle. If she didn’t tell you she was experiencing a problem, you would not detect her struggles.

Jennifer was a very quiet person. She was respectful and obedient, but a private person from childhood. Occasionally, she would socialize with her cousins and a few friends, but for the most part of her life, she kept to herself.

Jennifer was very fashionable in her dress. She loved to redecorate the family home and bake cakes and cookies, listen to music, and ride her bicycle. Jennifer enjoyed traveling with her mother and neighbors to places such as Canada, and she went on several trips to Charlotte, NC, her father’s hometown, and to Hemingway, SC, her mother’s hometown to visit with grandparents and extended family.

Jennifer’s community service as a young adult included being a Tutor at Timothy Dwight Elementary School and a Candy-striper Volunteer at St. Raphael’s Hospital. She was a member of the New Haven Youth Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club, Incorporated (NANBPW). Kind, loving and caring with those who knew her depth, she will surely be missed by all.

Jennifer will be forever cherished by those she leaves behind: her devoted mother, Frances Adams-Kelly, her father, Bobby Adams, her brother, Brichael Adams of New Haven, CT; sisters, Saundra Adams and her spouse, Rollin Ricketts of Randolph, MA and Kim Jones of Hamden; and a host of aunts, cousins, friends, and her stepmother. She was predeceased by her brother, Tyrone Adams, and one brother-in-law.

A celebration of Jennifer's life will be held Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at Curvin K. Council Funeral Home, 128 Dwight Street, New Haven, CT, followed by burial in Evergreen Cemetery. Family and friends may attend a visitation from 10:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.