Virginia Adams

Virginia Elizabeth Cox Adams, 98, of Core, passed away Friday, July 5, 2013 at her residence. She was born September 13, 1914 in Asheville, NC, a daughter of the late Thomas Augustus Cox II and Gertrude Smith Cox. Mrs. Adams was a 1935 graduate of Duke University with a degree in Chemistry. After graduating, she taught high school in the Winston Salem area and later returned to Duke University to work in the Chemistry Library, where she met her husband, Joe. The two moved to West Virginia in 1945, first to Charleston and then to St. Albans, where they lived and raised four children. They were early members of the Highlawn Presbyterian Church, and while Joe served as deacon and elder, she loved teaching Kindergarten, Sunday School, and Vacation Bible School. She began volunteering at the "Service Center," working with children with special needs, and found a true calling. Shortly thereafter, she became in charge of the "Service Center." She went back to school to become certified in Special Education and taught at Shawkey School, teaching many of the same children. In her free time, Mrs. Adams enjoyed doing needle work. She also loved to travel, and made many special friends while travelling to other parts of the world. After retiring from her role as a teacher, she lived in Lenoir, NC for 12 years and later moved to the retirement community at Heritage Point in Morgantown, WV. She later moved in with her son, Jim, in Core, WV, where she lived for four years. While in Core, she spent many hours with her special friend and caretaker, Kaye Glover. Additionally, she was cared for by Kelly, Leslie, Bernie, and Joey. When children married and grandchildren came along, she was happy to be a part of these extended families. She treasured her ties to her two sisters and brother, and remained close to them through the years. Mrs. Adams is survived by four children, Dottie Darsie and her husband Dr. Jim Darsie of Lenoir, NC, Tom Adams and his wife Darline of Oak Ridge, TN, John Adams and his wife Sandy of Chicago, IL, and Jim Adams and his wife Dr. Charlene Horan of Core, WV. She is also survived by her sister, Eleanor Penny of Cosby, TN; twelve grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her husband of 25 years, Joe Taylor Adams, who passed away in 1969; grandson, James Taylor Adams; brother, Thomas Augustus Cox III; and sister, Dorothy Smith. At the request of Mrs. Adams, cremation services have been performed by the Hastings Funeral Home, Morgantown. Friends and family will be received at the Highlawn Presbyterian Church, 2501 Washington Ave., St. Albans, WV on Friday, July 12, 2013 from 1:00 pm until the time of the memorial service at 2:00 pm with Pastor Nancy Didway officiating. Interment will follow at the Cunningham Memorial Park in St. Albans, WV. Memorial contributions may be made to the Duke University Alumni and Development Records Office, PO Box 90581, Durham, NC 27708, with checks made payable to Duke University (memo: Joe Taylor Adams Endowment Fund). Contributions may also be made in Mrs. Adams' honor to a local charity that supports children with special needs. Send condolences online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.