Bernadette Adams Obituary

Bernadette Theresa Adams (née Bailey), age 74, Born October 11, 1950, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late Theresa Bernadette Bailey and the late Ernest Lyons Bailey Jr. Bernadette attended St. Stephen's Catholic Elementary School and Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls. She passed away in Columbus, Ohio on August 30, 2025.

Bernadette was outgoing, personable, friendly, inquisitive, and rebellious. Her lifelong friend Leola (Honey) Tilghman, who attended both elementary and high school with Bernadette, recalls that she was incredibly bright and rarely needed to study to maintain an "A" average. Bernadette's magnetic personality drew people to her like bees to honey. She loved music and was an incredible dancer. During summers as a teen in the 1960's, Bernadette would roll up the living room rug at her family home on Montana Street and hold dance tutorials for all the neighborhood girls. With the latest Motown 45s blasting on the record player, everyone was welcome. Although Bernadette was a huge Motown fan, she also had an eclectic album collection that included everyone from the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Sly and the Family Stone to Gil Scott-Heron and Steppenwolf. Life with Bernadette was anything but dull.

After graduating from high school, Bernadette worked for the Philadelphia Saving Fund Society Safety Deposit Center and the Bell Telephone Company. She then trained at the Empire Beauty School in Philadelphia, earning her cosmetology license with the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology. She began a career as a beautician at the Aja Hair Salon in Philadelphia. Long after she left the salon, she was rarely without her barber shears. Her mother, sisters, daughters, grandchildren, and countless friends could always rely on Bernadette to keep their tresses trimmed.

Bernadette met the love of her life, John Adams, in 1977. One might say it was love at first sight. They were together for years before solidifying their relationship on July 14, 1984.
Bernadette's love of photography and babies led her to a career as a Newborn Photographer for local hospitals in the suburbs of Philadelphia. She photographed newborns at Abington Hospital, Chestnut Hill Hospital, Jeanes Hospital, and Roxborough Hospital. This is where she found her calling. Bernadette forged deep bonds with the parents of the newborns she photographed and was often requested to shoot family portraits at their homes.

When Samira's children, Amir and later Amaya, were born in Philadelphia, Bernadette devoted her time to them as a caregiver. Amir fondly recalls his Mommom being there for afterschool pick-ups, helping with homework, and ensuring he made it to after-school activities on time. He credits Bernadette for his addiction to sushi and his love of Harry Potter movies. The two of them would always catch the latest Iron Man movie premieres together. Amaya remembers watching episodes of General Hospital together. She often flustered Bernadette with a million questions about the series storyline. Amaya recalls sharing hot tea and pretzels late at night and Bernadette ordering from their favorite Chinese restaurant during sleepovers with her best friend Jayla. Bernadette never missed Amaya's dance recitals-always waving to her from the audience to show her undying love and support.

Nonnie recalls that her Aunt Bern Bern always took the time to check in with her and affirm how proud she was of Nonnie's accomplishments. Bernadette never made fun of Nonnie's deep love of vampires and fantasy books and always had vampire movies available to watch whenever she came to visit. Nonnie remembers Bernadette letting her practice for her musical theater auditions and giving her a safe space to sing- no matter how loudly.

Later, when Bernadette moved to Ohio, she became MoMo to Karida and Kevin's children- Amalia (Mali), Cristiano (Cruz), and Nico. There were countless morning and afternoon carpool lanes, gymnastic meets, swim lessons, Akido, cross-country races, plays, music recitals, soccer games and sleepovers with MoMo and PopPop Johnny. All of Bernadette's grandchildren had the opportunity to experience firsthand the love she so willingly gave. It truly took a village.

Bernadette is survived by her devoted and loving husband, John Adams; her daughters, Samira Peredo Whipple and Karida Cardoso; her son-in-law, Kevin Cardoso; her grandchildren, Amir Washington, Amaya Whipple, Amalia Cardoso, Cristiano Cardoso, and Nico Cardoso; her sisters, Suzanne Bailey-Jones, Karen Bailey-Neal, and Stephanie Bailey; her nieces and nephews, Novari Bailey, Nonnie Bailey-Jones, Alanna Bailey-Griffin, Chenelle Neal, and Anthony Neal; and her great niece and nephew, Kimora Neal and Reese Bailey.

Bernadette is preceded in death by her brother, Ernest Lyons Bailey III.

Bernadette spent her life devoted to family, beauty, music, and photography. During her lifetime, she collected friends wherever she went and maintained those friendships; many of whom have known her since childhood. Call her however you like: Mommy, Mommom, MoMo, Bernadette, Aunt Bern Bern, My Forever Friend- but call her by her name-the embodiment of love.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bernadette T. Adams, please visit our floral store.