Lydia Jeanne Adam-Graham was born in Camden, New Jersey on May 4, 1963 to Vivian Adam-Brown and Thomas Brown. She was nicknamed Lionheart, and often affectionately referred to as Lydlil, Lidlo, Lid, Lyder, and Leda.
Lydia received her high school diploma in 1981 from Woodrow Wilson High School (now Eastside High School), Camden, NJ. After graduating in 1985 from the Corrections Officer Training Academy (COTA), she began her career as a Correctional Officer at Riverfront State Prison. After Corrections, she received her medical assistant certification through the state of NJ which opened many doors. She taught nutrition at Rutgers University in Camden, NJ, evenings from 1995 – 1997. She also taught seniors about health related warning signs and aging. She was employed with Camden O.E.O. Head Start from 1994 to 2000.
Years later, Lydia decided to change her career path to Nursing. She obtained an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from the Jerothia Riggs Program in 2002 where she graduated Valedictorian of her class. Upon graduation, Lydia became a Licensed Practical Nurse and was employed with the Camden County Health Services Center from 2002 until 2012. She remained in that profession until her health, and a work related injury placed her on permanent disability.
Thereafter Lydia continued nursing in another capacity which involved witnessing to the homeless and lost and broken individuals she sought out to save their souls. She handed out tracks and shared the gospel to help as many as she could to find their way
Lydia was a believer who spent much of her time in continuous self-study of the Bible, and in fellowship with her church affiliations. She loved many music genres, but gospel was her main go to. Her knowledge of the Word and love for gospel music equipped her to spread the good news to anyone who crossed her path.
Lydia endured and overcame many medical afflictions throughout her life. She conquered breast cancer, but had continuous battles with asthma and diabetes. Through it all, she remained in good spirits and stood on her faith. She always professed the goodness of God and her love for her Lord and Savior.
No matter what Lydia was going through, you could always count on her to bring joy and laughter to those in her presence, even when the purpose of their being there was to encourage and uplift her. She was a trooper and a soldier in the army of the Lord.
Lydia’s trademark was “smooches”. She greeted and departed you with “smooches”. She ended her phone calls with “smooches”. Her voicemail greeting ended with “smooches”. When she threw kisses she said “smooches”. Whatever was happening at any given moment, it began and ended with “smooches”.
Lydia is predeceased by her: parents, Thomas Brown and Vivian Adam Brown and four siblings, Rosemary Adam, Hassan Adam, Carl Adam and Luther Weir.
Lydia is survived by her: four children, Brian Speights, Jason Dorsey, Noell Dorsey and Gabriel Bey; six siblings, Gregory Keaton, Sr. (Crettie), Russell Adam, Caroline Adam-Drumgoole, Tracey Fleming-Powell, Charlene Arnold and Cheryl Adam; thirteen grandchildren; two great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
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Lydia received her high school diploma in 1981 from Woodrow Wilson High School (now Eastside High School), Camden, NJ. After graduating in 1985 from the Corrections Officer Training Academy (COTA), she began her career as a Correctional Officer at Riverfront State Prison. After Corrections, she received her medical assistant certification through the state of NJ which opened many doors. She taught nutrition at Rutgers University in Camden, NJ, evenings from 1995 – 1997. She also taught seniors about health related warning signs and aging. She was employed with Camden O.E.O. Head Start from 1994 to 2000.
Years later, Lydia decided to change her career path to Nursing. She obtained an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from the Jerothia Riggs Program in 2002 where she graduated Valedictorian of her class. Upon graduation, Lydia became a Licensed Practical Nurse and was employed with the Camden County Health Services Center from 2002 until 2012. She remained in that profession until her health, and a work related injury placed her on permanent disability.
Thereafter Lydia continued nursing in another capacity which involved witnessing to the homeless and lost and broken individuals she sought out to save their souls. She handed out tracks and shared the gospel to help as many as she could to find their way
Lydia was a believer who spent much of her time in continuous self-study of the Bible, and in fellowship with her church affiliations. She loved many music genres, but gospel was her main go to. Her knowledge of the Word and love for gospel music equipped her to spread the good news to anyone who crossed her path.
Lydia endured and overcame many medical afflictions throughout her life. She conquered breast cancer, but had continuous battles with asthma and diabetes. Through it all, she remained in good spirits and stood on her faith. She always professed the goodness of God and her love for her Lord and Savior.
No matter what Lydia was going through, you could always count on her to bring joy and laughter to those in her presence, even when the purpose of their being there was to encourage and uplift her. She was a trooper and a soldier in the army of the Lord.
Lydia’s trademark was “smooches”. She greeted and departed you with “smooches”. She ended her phone calls with “smooches”. Her voicemail greeting ended with “smooches”. When she threw kisses she said “smooches”. Whatever was happening at any given moment, it began and ended with “smooches”.
Lydia is predeceased by her: parents, Thomas Brown and Vivian Adam Brown and four siblings, Rosemary Adam, Hassan Adam, Carl Adam and Luther Weir.
Lydia is survived by her: four children, Brian Speights, Jason Dorsey, Noell Dorsey and Gabriel Bey; six siblings, Gregory Keaton, Sr. (Crettie), Russell Adam, Caroline Adam-Drumgoole, Tracey Fleming-Powell, Charlene Arnold and Cheryl Adam; thirteen grandchildren; two great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
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