Jonell Belknap Adams

Jonell Adams was born on June 15, 1956, in Keams Canyon Hospital, Keams Canyon, Arizona, within the Hopi Indian Reservation.  Jonell’s father was Earl Adams Sr. from Second Mesa, Arizona.  Jonell’s mother was Thelma Jones Adams from San Carlos, Arizona.  Jonell had seven siblings:  Earlene Adams Tah, Carlene Adams, Kathy Adams, Plinny Adams, Earl Adams, Jr. and Searlene Adams

Jonell grew up on the Hopi Indian Reservation with her parents and siblings.  She attended Hopi elementary and high school.  After high school, Jonell moved to Phoenix, continue her education at Business School.  Jonell studied to become a stenographer to be able to find a career in the judicial system.  After completing her education, Jonell moved to the Hopi Reservation to begin her life.  She had three children: Carlene Polacca, Joshua Adams, and Carlton Peddlety.  She also has two grandchildren: Aaliyah and Ariel.

Jonell was very caring mother and aunt.  Her nieces and nephews knew her as Auntie Jonell or Aunt Joey.  She always tried to play an active role in not only her children’s lives but also her nieces and nephews.

Jonell knew the importance of family and initiated the first Jones Family – family reunion on her maternal mother’s side of the family.  She began this to better understand the history of her family that was rooted in the San Carlos Apache Tribe.  Jonell’s mother was Thelma Jones Adams who was the daughter of the late Jessie Jones of Gilson Wash, San Carlos Arizona.  Thelma’s sister was Sylvia Jones who was the mother to: Fredrick Jones, Theodore Rustin, the late Shirley Rustin Titla, the late Melva Rustin, Melvin Rustin Jr. and Erma Tsosie of San Carlos & Bylas, Arizona.

Jonell’s favorite words that will be remembered by her family was: Always pray and be positive, everything will be okay.

GRAVESIDE VISITATION: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021 AT 9:30 A.M. AT NORTHGATE CEMETERY IN SAN CARLOS, AZ

GRAVESIDE SERVICE: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021 AT 10:00 A.M. AT NORTHGATE CEMETERY IN SAN CARLOS, AZ