Fannie Phelps Adams

God used the seed of James Phelps to form in the womb of Mary Lou Phelps a precious little one who came forth on June 27, 1917, and was named Fannie Delores Phelps. Fannie was the eighth of ten children born of this union and was preceded in death by all of her siblings. She resided on Wheeler Hill all of her life and was a life-long member of Saint James AME Church. Mrs. Adams recognized her harvest to be a laborer in the field of education; therefore, after graduating from Booker T. Washington High School in 1934, she attended Allen University, earning a B.A. degree in 1938, and returned to Booker T. Washington Heights Elementary School in 1938 to begin her professional career as an educator teaching third grade until 1943. She then taught English and Social Studies at Booker T. Washington High School until 1949, and during that time married her college sweetheart and the love of her life, David K. Adams, on December 27, 1947. Mrs. Adams continued to pursue her education by earning her M.S. degree from South Carolina State University in 1953, and did further study at Columbia University in New York, North Carolina College in Durham, and Fisk University in Nashville. In addition to teaching and serving as a guidance counselor at Booker T. Washington High School, Mrs. Adams was Assistant Principal at Booker T. Washington High School from 1956 until the school was closed in 1974. An avid sports enthusiast, she also coached the girls’ basketball team under the direction of Mr. T. S. Martin. She then became Assistant Principal at A. C. Flora High School and served in that capacity until her retirement. Her tenure with Richland School District One spanned a total of 41 years. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Adams was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David K. Adam (May 10, 1979), and her siblings: Timothy W. Phelps, Crenshaw Phelps, Robert Phelps, George W. Phelps, Guy “Sonny” Phelps, Celia P. Martin, Blanch P. Adams, Sallie P Griffin, and . She leaves a legacy of love, faith, and precious memories to her daughter, Mary Suzette Adams-Jenkins; grandson, David A. Adams; three great-grandchildren, Davion Adams, Diamond Adams, and David Adams, II; nephew/son, Alonzo (Lillie Ruth) Phelps; two goddaughters, Delores (Bobby) Gordon and Kimberly Bolton; one godson, David (Linda) Pearson; and a host of other nephews, nieces, relatives, and friends.

Fannie Phelps Adams

June 27, 1917 - May 31, 2016