Mrs. Rosa Mae Baird Adams, 92, of Fernandina Beach, passed away and into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ late in the evening on December 7, 2020. Rosa, or Rose, as she was called by her family and friends, was born on November 19, 1928, in Boreing Kentucky, the daughter of the late James C. and Myrtle Baird. As she loved to remark, she came into this life �in the foothills of Kentucky during the Great Depression crying, naked, wet and hungry.�

Preceding Rosa in death was her husband of 50 years, Donald F. Adams, her son, Theodore S. Adams, and her brother, John M. Baird, M.D.

She was a faithful servant of God and member of the First Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach where over the years she taught Sunday School and engaged in Bible study with her many friends. Her belief in Jesus Christ was steadfast and without waiver and she now resides with her loved ones in the Kingdom of God.

Outside of her family, perhaps her most cherished accomplishment was being one of the original founders of the Shrimp Festival in 1963, now known as the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. For many years, Rosa served as Publicity Chairman of the Shrimp Festival. From her post as Director at the old, teepee shaped Florida Welcome Station, Rosa met with shrimpers and boat owners along with the handful of other founders to turn the simple boat race into the festival that over 100,000 visitors enjoy each year. She served on the Shrimp Festival Committee for over 20 years. The Shrimp Festival Committee honored her in 2015 as she was selected as the Grand Marshall for the 52nd annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival.

Almost up until the time it was torn down, Rosa could be found at the Marina Welcome Station. It was the only state staffed and maintained marina welcome station in the world. Rosa was happy to offer up a glass of Florida�s famous orange juice to weary mariners or locals stopping by for a chat. She loved her job, led by example and spent countless hours assisting others. She was a strong and fiercely independent woman in a day and age dominated by men. She left an indelible mark on Fernandina and will be missed by so many friends and family.

While founding the Shrimp Festival was important to her, nothing was as important as her family. She raised three beautiful children while continuing to promote Fernandina and raise awareness to the charm and beauty of our little island.

She is survived by her eldest son, Donald F. Adams, Jr. (Fred) and his wife, Elaine; her daughter, Olivia Diane Banaszak and her husband, Howard; her 6 grand children, Robert Adams, Amy Eidson, Olivia Haggerty, Anna Pfister, Chris Adams and Courtney Dunman; her 9 great grandchildren Jack and Luke Adams, Cale, Cade and Coleby Eidson and Amelia and Duane Haggerty, Hudson and Marin Adams; her brothers Finley S. Baird and Ernest C. Baird and Sister Mildred Hammons.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard.

Her family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until the hour of service at the funeral home.

She will be laid to rest in Green Pine Cemetery