Marcelle Creola Adams “Mickey”, proud member of the Mvskoke Nation, was born on February 26, 1923, in a small town called Beggs, Oklahoma. She was the third child born to Grace McIntosh and Washington Adams, who were born in nearby towns when Oklahoma was still called “Indian Territory”, the region where many Indigenous nations from the Southeast were relocated in the early to mid 1800s. Her older siblings were Leo Howard and Chester Arthur.
A diagnosis of childhood asthma coupled with the dry and dusty environment of Beggs forced her to spend most of her time indoors. She would use that time to read and develop her skills at playing the piano. With the knowledge she gained, she was able to graduate from Phyllis Wheatley High School at the age of 16. Upon graduation, she attended Langston University where she met Warren Hollier Sr. They married and had three children, Brenda Grace, Warren Jr. and Carl Stanley. They resided in California for a few years to seek better job opportunities. When California didn’t work out, she returned to Oklahoma and became a substitute teacher.
When racism prevented her from obtaining better jobs, she followed her brother Chester to Detroit, MI. It was in Detroit where she met and married Irving Douglas. They had three children, Irving Arthur (deceased), and twins Lana Bettina and Gina Damita. Together, they raised six children and spent many summers traveling across the country to visit families and friends throughout Oklahoma, Texas, and California.
Marcelle was bitten by the travel bug. Once invited by her children, she could have her bags packed at the drop of a hat. She traveled, flying or cruising throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, and many Caribbean Islands. Her traveling however, didn’t prevent her from completing her studies. Once all of her children were either out of the nest or away in school, with their urging, at 60 years old, she returned to school and completed her college degree requirements at Wayne State University. She graduated with a BA in 1989. With a degree in hand, she advanced quite quickly from assistant teacher to a Head Administrator in Head Start.
When she wasn’t spending time with her family at home or on the road or in the classroom, Marcelle engaged in her many hobbies and interests. At the top of her list was playing the piano. She played all types of music, jazz, classical, Latin, swing, and Motown. She was playing songs she had long ago memorized at the age of 103. She was also very artistic and creative.
She sewed, crocheted, and knitted many hats, vests, scarves, afghans, doilies, and outfits for her children and grandchildren. Later, she became very skilled at designing and producing traditional Native American jewelry. On occasion, she could be found at a Pow Wow showcasing or selling her unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.
Her Catholic faith was very important to her, for in addition to helping her to endure many hardships, it was a Catholic priest who helped her receive the life-saving care needed when she was very young. She carried that faith with her from Oklahoma to Michigan. Public transportation wasn’t available for her to get to church, but that didn’t stop her. She walked eight blocks in high heels to attend mass at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament. When she moved, she would walk in her high heels to attend mass at St. Theresa until she learned how to drive and had access to a car. After the closing of St. Theresa’s, she became a member of Our Lady of the Rosary, where she enjoyed many years of fellowship with the Parishioners.
Her kind, friendly, fun, and funny personality made many people gravitate toward her or adopt her as their mom or grandmother. She was rarely around individuals her own age. If she was, she was usually driving them to senior events.
Marcelle loved and was loved by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and grand puppies and grand kittens. They were her pride and joy. In her own way, she instilled in them her faith and wisdom. She enjoyed celebrating with them and in all of their accomplishments. She attended their concerts, recitals, graduations, weddings, birthdays, soccer, basketball, football, volleyball games, swimming and track meets, and regattas.
Celebrate Everything was her motto.
Marcelle leaves to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy her children, Brenda
(Lafayette-deceased), Warren (Kathy), Carl (Jacqui), Lana (Carl), Gina (Raymond), and daughter-in-law Joan. Her grandchildren, Nicole, Steven, Carl (Marcy), Essi (Nick), Adam (Krystle), Lauren, Melanie, Aaron, Ryan, Robert, and Derek, and her granddaughter-in-law Saran. Her great-grandchildren, Donnie (April), Tyson, Chaela, Cierra, Phoenix, Bianca, Cree, Lani (Myles), Chaese (Sarah), Marcus, Lillian, Adam Jr, Thor, and Artemis. Her Great-Great
Grandchildren, Myles Jr., Alani, and Amaya.
Marcelle was a beautiful spirit with a heart of gold who always inspired and encouraged her family. The world was truly blessed by her presence. She put a sparkle in everyone’s eye and a smile on everyone’s face. While we will miss her tremendously, every time an image or an actual butterfly crosses our path, it will remind us that she’ll always be with us.
