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TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW UPON THE PASSING OF ADELL THOMPSON ADAMS, TO CELEBRATE HER LIFE, AND EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Adell Thompson Adams on February 19, 2020, at the age of seventy-eight; and
Whereas, Adell Thompson Adams, the daughter of the late Roy W. Thompson and the late Nettie Holliday Thompson, was born in Columbia on July, 29, 1941; and
Whereas, she graduated from Benedict College, magna cum laude, in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education, and earned her Master of Education from South Carolina State College in 1967; and
Whereas, Mrs. Adams served with great distinction as a music teacher in the public schools of Richland and Fairfield Counties for more than thirty years; and
Whereas, in addition to her experience as an educator, Mrs. Adams also served as a Girl Scout leader for ten years. During her tenure, she was selected to serve as a delegate to the National Girl Scout Convention that modernized the Girl Scout pledge; and
Whereas, Mrs. Adams held numerous leadership positions with both the Richland County Education Association and the South Carolina Education Association, including President of the Richland County Education Association, and member of the Board of the South Carolina Education Association; and
Whereas, Mrs. Adams was also an active member of the NAACP since 1980. Generous with her time, passion, and expertise, she served as the president of the Columbia Chapter of the NAACP from 1987 through 1990, and again from 1993 through 1994; and
Whereas, she was also an active participant in the periodical reapportioning of seats on the City of Columbia City Council and the Richland County Council, and played a vital role in working toward the creation of the State's first majority black congressional district; and
Whereas, Mrs. Adams also served as a delegate to three Democratic Party National Conventions; and
Whereas, for her dedicated service and many accomplishments, Mrs. Adams was recognized in numerous ways, including Interchange 555 at I-20, the Adell T. Adams Interchange; and
Whereas, a woman of faith, Mrs. Adams was an active member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, where she was a member of the choir and vestry; and
Whereas, she met the love of her life, Benjamin E. Adams, while receiving her education at Benedict College. The couple experienced thirty-four years of marriage together, overcoming challenges and experiencing joys until his death in 1995. They were blessed with two children, Benjamin E. Adams, Jr., and Adrian E. Adams. She was also proud to have five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and
Whereas, she leaves many to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy. Her family and her many friends will remember her as a woman of tremendous strength and character and will miss her greatly. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express profound sorrow upon the passing of Adell Thompson Adams, celebrate her life, and extend the deepest sympathy to her family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Benjamin E. Adams, Jr., and Adrian E. Adams on behalf of the family.
This web page was last updated on March 5, 2020 at 11:50 AM