He spent 17 years in the Banking Industry, last working as Vice President in the Business Banking lending area for what is now known as Regions Bank in Shreveport, LA. Pastor Adams managed the bank’s nonprofit and church commercial loan portfolio for the Shreveport/Bossier market, financing and overseeing several new church construction projects.  He also financed and handled the banking needs of many small business owners in this market sector and was instrumental in growing this diverse portfolio from            $9 million in loans outstanding to over $28 million before transitioning into a full-time ministry role as Pastor and Business Administrator for the Elizabeth Baptist Church (EBC) in Benton, LA, where he has served the past 37 years.  

During his tenure at EBC, the church has grown in membership from 65 to over 600 today.  Through 25+ active ministries, EBC implores a concentrated focus on developing discipled believers who consistently walk in the ways of God and have Kingdom impact in their homes, schools, jobs, and the community at large.  As individual believers reflect their faith, they learn to lead others into a personal relationship with the Savior Jesus Christ.

Pastor Adams has been actively involved in the community by serving on the Board of Directors for several nonprofit organizations.  Currently he serves on the board of directors for the following organizations:  Shreveport/Bossier Sports Commission (Current Chairman); Carter Federal Credit Union; State Fair of Louisiana; Louisiana Tech University Foundation; Shreveport/Bossier Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast (Past Chairman); The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (Past President).

Mararia devoted 34 years of exemplary service to the LSU Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) Medical Library in Shreveport, Louisiana. There, she held dual roles as Assistant Director and Head of Systems for the Health Sciences Library, as well as an Associate Professor in the Department of Medical Library Science. Her work included planning, managing, installing, and maintaining the medical library's computer systems and network infrastructure. She is a long-standing member of both the Medical Library Association and the South Central Chapter of the MLA. In 2023, she retired from LSU Health Sciences Center after a distinguished career in academic and medical librarianship.

In her continued commitment to education and service, Mararia earned a Master of Social Work at LSU Baton Rouge in August 2025. Her academic and professional focus is centered on Christian counseling, emotional wellness, and mental health support.

A woman of deep faith, Mararia is an ordained minister who serves as the Executive Director of EBC. In this role, she provides strategic leadership and oversight for the church's ministries, directing daily operations, equipping and empowering ministry leaders, fostering collaboration among teams, and helping advance the church's vision and mission of making disciples and impacting the community for Christ.

Mararia and Pastor Adams are the proud parents of three adult children - Tonya, Sondra, and Doyle JR. - and are joyfully blessed with a grandson, Ethan Jeremiah Hamilton.

Sonja graduated from Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Marketing. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and working on upcycling projects.