A Celebration of Life     Adama Faroh-Schulz 2 July 1969 to 10 February 1999

    Adama Faroh Schulz was born to Fatmata Musukada Koroma and Mohamed F. Faroh in Kono, Sierra Leone, West Africa on July 2, 1969. She was raised by her aunt in Freetown, Sierra Leone where she attended primary school and spent much of her time on the streets selling fruits and nuts. At age 12 she moved to Kabala where she came to know her mother and sisters. Unfortunately Adama became ill in the cool weather of Kabala after a few years and was sent to boarding school by her loving father upon her completion of primary school. Her first 2 years of secondary school were spent in Maboraka, but she continued to struggle with her health and transferred to St. Augustine Secondary School in Lungi.

    Adama's years of secondary school at St. Augustine provided her with many fond memories. St. Augustine is where she developed an enduring friendship with Magdalene Fornah and came to know her future husband, Kurt C. Schulz.

    Crying as she left Sierra Leone for the first time at the age of 17, Adama crossed over to the Western World moving to Dallas, Texas after graduating from secondary school. Upon arriving in Dallas, she immediately began making friends from all over the world and started her collegiate studies at El Centro College where she was an active member of the International Student Organization and modeled at numerous events; her inner and outer beauty being evident to all who encountered her.

    After over a month of continuous preparation, Adama and Kurt were married at a wonderful ceremony in Freetown, Sierra Leone on January 11, 1992. The next year was one of excitement and adventure with the newlyweds enjoying the various cuisine and cultural activities that Dallas has to offer; all the while Adama was making new friends and brightening the lives of those around her with her contagious smile and energetic enjoyment of life.

    After just getting settled in Dallas, Adama and Kurt moved to Cagues, Puerto Rico in January of 93' where again Adama began making friends and quickly began to pick up Spanish. Although happy in Puerto Rico, in the Fall of 93' Adama moved to St. Thomas to continue her education; there's probably never been a more determined student in the history of the University of the Virgin Islands. Adama was going to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing; her success was never in doubt.

    During her 3 years at UVI, Adama became an integral part of St. Thomas. Not only did she attend UVI, she reached out to the entire island becoming actively involved in the African Association of St. Thomas/St. John, the Black Heritage Committee, Toastmasters, and tried to be a part of every cultural activity that took place on the island. Adama touched the hearts of many and truly came to love the island as her second home.

    Adama's pride gleamed during her graduation in the Fall of 96' after which she began to practice her beloved profession as a registered nurse at the Roy L. Schneider Hospital in St. Thomas. Her patients recognized her as a nurse who not only helped, but more importantly, one who truly cared.

    In late 97' Adama left St. Thomas to join Kurt in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Although she continued to enjoy life, Adama's time in Baton Rouge was difficult. She continued to practice nursing at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in the oncology unit and volunteered her services to the local hospice organization. In August of 98' she began to become short of breath easily. By September she was no longer able to work. Late December found Adama physically weakened, but her spirit carried on. Through her entire struggle with scleroderma, Adama remained positive and never once uttered the words "why me". She remained more concerned about those around her than herself.

    In February of 99' Adama and Kurt traveled to Birmingham, Alabama to visit a transplant team. Unfortunately the team never had the opportunity to work with Adama; after an eight-day struggle at the UAB hospital, Adama left for the next world.

    Adama's natural beauty was apparent to all, but more important was the inner beauty that enticed so many to love her. Adama lives on in the thoughts and dreams of us all; may she rest in peace.

    Adama, like a promising seed you sprouted in our midst; a radiant addition to the African Family. Your youth, radiance, jubilance, and sincerity became an intangible element of our African Association. We marveled at your energy, be it on the dance floor, in our meeting discussions, or working on the projects of our Association.  Member after member in our family forged strong bonds with you. You had sisters, brothers, aunties, and much more among our African family.
    Adama, your contribution to the lives of the members of our African family, as well as the Virgin Islands community you adopted as your home, is a significant gift you have left us.  We will always cherish the things you did to make our lives richer. As a member of the African Association, you spearheaded a number of important cultural activities which made many people in our community that much richer. Above all, we will always treasure the joy you shared with us, your warm laughter, your sincere perspectives on matters of our Association as well as life in general.
    Adama, the news of your passing away knifed its way through our hearts like a giant thorn stepped on by a naked foot. Even those of us who knew about your courageous will to live longer in this world were shocked by what certainly was your most untimely departure. However, now that you have moved on, we want you to know that we will hold onto the treasures you bestowed on us. Adama, on behalf of the African Association of St. Thomas and St. John, let me say simply: Thank you for making our lives richer.
                                                                                            Soloman S. Kabuka, Jr., Ph.D.
                                                                                                President, African Association of St. Thomas/St. John

    Dear Adama . . . Your presence in our lives was short and brief, but you enlightened our lives very much. You were the one who always reminded us that we only live once and should enjoy life. You've also shown us how to take control of our lives no matter what obstacles are placed in our paths. We love you then, now and forever more.
                                                                                            University of the Virgin Islands Nursing Class of 1996

    Dear Adama . . . I miss you and hope you are okay. I will see you when we meet again. Rest on my sister and be in peace.
                                                                                            Love Forever, Your Sister Finah & Family

    "I Love You" was said many times over the years, but the words never ran deeper nor meant more than the last time we made the exchange. In sickness and in health Adama, I'll always love you!
                                                                                            Kurt

                     I look at you dear one
                    Your life left in my care
                    I know it must be painful
                    But know that I'm still there
                    And though we can both see
                    That the end is drawing near
                    Be strong and have courage my friend
                    And know that I still care

                    And if there was a way I knew
                    To somehow ease the pain
                    I'll gladly give you that gift
                    Over and over again
                    But alas I'm helpless
                    As helpless as you are
                    But God, he will be merciful
                    He's brought us through this far
                    So sleep my precious patient

                    The journey has been long
                    And though I cry, my tears for you
                    Can't cloud your final song
                    A song of joyous triumph
                    A song of no regret
                    You've walked the lonely road my friend
                    And triumphed over death.

    Anyone who showed Adama a bit of kindness was rewarded with a flood of affection and a loving, caring friend. Adama had an open heart for everyone regardless of race, religion, age, gender or any other classification one can think of. She gladly accepted all and though proud of her heritage and feminism, she was unique in her inherent ability to see each individual as a personality in and of itself. Adama welcomed all and always cared for and loved all those who welcomed her in. If only we were all capable of such open-hearted affection.

    A - Affectionate:  Your Affectionate kindness and understanding touches us all; friends, family and patients alike;
    D - Dedicated:  Your Dedication to your education, profession and obligations is unparalleled;
    A - Ambitious:  Your Ambitious ways take you far - from the bush of Salone to the graduation stage at UVI;
    M - Mercurial:  Your Mercurial nature lightens and cheers us all when we're together;
    A - Awesome:  You're simply Awesome and are loved my many near and far;

    F - Felicitous:  Your Felicitous comments and remarks are always welcome and keep us smiling;
    A - Affable:  Your Affable approach to us all, black & white, rich & poor, is truly treasured;
    R - Romantic:  Your Romantic nature is known by few and dearly missed by one;
    O - Outgoing:  Your Outgoing eagerness to understand and enjoy your surroundings is appreciated;
    H - High-Minded:  You High-Minded consistency places you above us all; we can only try;

    S - Sanguine:  Your Sanguine disposition throughout your travails is a source of strength and a model for us all;
    C - Charismatic:  Your Charismatic smile is endearing and infectious;
    H - Harbinger:  You're a Harbinger of mankind's only hope with your unmatched lack of bias;
    U - Ubiquitous:  Your seeming Ubiquity due to your wont to be involved in every activity is simply amazing;
    L - Loving:  Your Loving way of dealing with us all is returned in full - we love you Adama; and
    Z - Zealous:  Your Zealous battle has come to a close here on Earth - we know you're a happy angel up in Heaven!

  Kurt C. Schulz  The Calvert Building 815 Church Street, Suite 3-A Lynchburg, VA  24504

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