Rowena Adams Jones

Rowena Adams Jones, 96, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, long term resident of Buffalo, NY and most recently Amherst, NY passed away. She was the daughter of the late Leroy and Anna Rose Hankins, wife of the late James Adams, and late Clarence Jones, devoted mother to Charla Adams, adored grandmother of Marie Adams-Rutkowski (Kenny Rutkowski, Jr) and beloved great-grandmother to Kenneth Rutkowski, III and Remington Rutkowski. Respected Aunt to Benita Lipford, MD, Jacqueline Lipford Kraus, MD (Richard Kraus) and the late Audrey Lipford, JD. Great Aunt to Catherine and Richard Kraus. She was a dear sister to the late Audrey Lipford, and sister-in-law to the late Benjamin Lipford.

Rowena was a loved cousin to many, caring friend to all she knew and a special 75+ year Delta Sigma Theta Sorority sister.

She held her sorority close to her heart as an honorable Past President of Delta Sigma Theta, Buffalo Alumni Chapter, she cherished her sorority forever. Rowena pledged Delta Sigma Theta at the University of Pittsburgh, as an honor student who attended both the Johnstown, PA campus and the University of Pittsburgh main campus. She has fond memories of the ‘Inclined Plane’ in Johnstown, PA and taking classes in the landmark Cathedral of Learning at Pitt. She graduated with a Bachelors in Education. Rowena enjoyed music and had a lovely Mezzo Soprano voice, sang in the University of Pittsburgh Choir, performed violin with the University of Pittsburgh Chamber Music and Symphony Orchestra. She was an accomplished violinist and also a member of the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra.

Rowena continued her education after her move to Buffalo, NY to earn her Masters degree at the University at Buffalo. Rowena was a professor, an award winning faculty member and a Director at UB. She retired as a Distinguished Associate Director of Residence Life at the University at Buffalo. The Jones Academic Success Center is dedicated in her honor, located in the Governors Residential Complex on the Amherst Campus.

Rowena served as an outstanding Girl Scout troop leader and member of the Girl Scout council for over 40 years. She was an active member for over 75 years at St. Luke AME Zion Church and held leadership roles in the church. She was a faithful leader and served as the Director of the Christian Education Department, Director of Nursery Committee, an active Sunday School teacher, member of Ruby C. Smith Scholarship Committee, Ideal Club, St. Luke Food Pantry and WHOM (Women’s Home and Overseas Mission) Society.

Religious Education was always a priority for her.

Rowena supported Catholic Education, daughter, Charla graduated with honors from St. Vincent de Paul elementary school and high school Mount Saint Joseph Academy ‘77. Her great-grandson Kenneth Rutkowski, III graduated with honors from Canisius High School ‘24 and her great-grandson Remington Rutkowski is a First Honors with Distinction student graduating in top of his class ‘25 at Bishop Timon - St. Jude.

Rowena was a strong supporter of City Honors School when her granddaughter Marie Adams-Rutkowski attended and graduated ‘98.

Ro, as she was affectionately known, strongly believed in education and established the importance of higher education with her family. Her daughter, Charla and granddaughter Marie are both her legacy at UB. Her great-grandson Kenneth Rutkowski, III is her Pitt Legacy enrolled in Pre-Pharmacy.

In her last year, her granddaughter and great- grandsons visited often and her devoted daughter was her caregiver. She would look forward to visitors, welcomed calls and appreciated the care extended from her Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Sisters.

A few of her favorite Sorors celebrated her 96th birthday with her and this was one of her fondest memories of 2024. Dr. Keli Koran Holder - Luchey brought over a chocolate cake that made her smile with delight.

Dr. Thomasina Stenhouse brought her to Patina 250 in celebration of her birthday with her Sorors, ‘her girls’ as she called her ‘Delta Dears’.

Rowena lived a beautiful life. She shared words of encouragement to those who met her and to know her is to love her. May she rest in peace.

Relatives and friends may visit St. Luke AME Zion Church, 314 E. Ferry St., Buffalo, on Saturday, April 12 from 10am-11:30am. A celebration of her life will immediately follow at 11:30am. Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery. Condolences may be made at www.lombardofuneralhome.com.