Z akea Aossey Adams

Zakea was joyous. If she heard music, she was the first to dance. If there was a prank to be played, she was the instigator. If it was laughter you were drawn to, she would be at the center of it. Zakea was filled with an energy for life that never ebbed. It naturally spilled over to her first love... her family. A family filled with generations of rousing fans. She had six beloved grandchildren. Grandchildren she would do anything for. She never missed a birthday, special event, or graduation. She was there. Playing games. Telling stories. Listening. Being present.

And, if you were her friend, you would never find a fiercer, more protective one. Zakea kept you safe. Zakea had style. She loved fashion and fashion loved her. Even as illness tossed her about, she never lost her sense of style. It just made her feel better, she'd say.

Zakea graduated from Franklin High School where she was voted "the most athletic girl." She felt that her love of sports throughout life was an important touchstone. And it was. As was her business sense. She and her husband, Jack, started an international manufacturing business, JE Adams Industries, which she kept going for another 7 years after his death in 1999. A true, self-made businesswoman.

In more recent years, she bought a home in Surprise, Arizona, and split time between there and her beloved Iowa. Always treasuring her friends in both. Zakea, we hold you in our hearts with an intense love that knows no bounds. Thank you for teaching us how to live life. Every single moment. You are our gift.

Your loving children,

Tracy, Jackie, and Jack.

Surviving family members include her brothers and sisters Jimmy Aossey, Jumelie Cherif, Anace Aossey, Sophia Lafferty, and Kamel Aossey; children Tracy Roberts, Jackie Flanigan and Jack Adams; sons-in-law Glenn Roberts and Chris Flanigan; daughter-in law Katherine Adams; grandchildren Chad Roberts, Bobby Flanigan, Wesley Flanigan, Daniel Gomis, Cory Roberts, Tanner Flanigan and Alex Adams; granddaughters-in-law Cassie Roberts, Treslyn Roberts, Haley Flanigan and Kristy Flanigan; and great grandchildren Sawyer Roberts, Austin Roberts, Jackson Roberts and Ryder Roberts

Those family members preceding her in death are her husband of 43 years, Jack Adams, Souad Cheetany, Mary Joslin, David Aossey, Lucille Barber, and honorable mention - Abdoo and Hacebe (mother & father), Zakea's proud parents immigrated from "Greater Syria" in the early 1900's to pursue "The American Dream."

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center, 7725 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.

In lieu of flowers donations in honor of Zakea can be made to the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, 315 18th Ave., Hiawatha, IA 52233

(We give a special thanks to the excellent care they gave our mother)

OR

The Islamic Center of Cedar Rapids. Please designate funds to: Scholarship/Education Fund, 2999 1st Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405.