Jean Felder Cecil McAdams

Jean Felder Cecil McAdams, 92, of Morganton, NC died Wednesday, August 1, 2012, at Grace Ridge Retirement Community. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile and strong will. In 2008, at the age of 88, she was able to overcome major physical disabilities through assistance from Grace Ridge physical therapists and nursing staff, Dr. Edward Plyler, family, and friends. She appreciated all the support from her church, First Presbyterian, and the staff at Grace Ridge.Born September 26, 1919 in Spartanburg, SC, she was a daughter of the late Levi Moffitt Cecil and Inez Fulenwider Felder Cecil. Jean graduated from Converse College in 1940, and taught in the public high school in Piedmont, SC and Cecil’s Business College in Spartanburg, SC. She married Robert M. McAdams in 1946, and they resided in Anderson, SC. The family moved to Morganton in 1955 when Jean’s husband, "Mac," was named principal of the NC School for the Deaf. In 1964, the family moved to Wilson, NC when Mac became Superintendent of the Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf. After retirement, Jean and Mac returned to Morganton in 1982, and became residents at Grace Ridge in 1992.Jean is survived by sons, Dr. Robert C. McAdams of Morganton, and John N. McAdams and wife, Donna, of Seattle, Washington; daughters, Margaret H. McAdams and husband, Dennis A. Deane, of Kingston, OH, and Barbara M. Clark of Weaverville, NC; grandsons, Benjamin R. McAdams and wife, Carmen, and Seth J. McAdams; a granddaughter, Kathryn Elizabeth Clark; brother, Dr. Henry Cecil and wife, Betty, a brother-in-law, Wayne Huff, a sister-in-law, Dorothy Cecil; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Mac, of 47 years; brothers, Richard, Moffitt, Charles, and Robert Cecil; and a sister, Margaret C. Huff.A Celebration of Jean’s life will be held in the chapel at the First Presbyterian Church at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 11, 2012, with Rev. Adam Bowling officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the church parlor. A private family graveside service will be held at Burke Memorial Park. Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with arrangements.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cecil Family Endowed Scholarship Fund at Wofford College, 429 North Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303 or a charity of your choice.