CORNELIA BURNS ADAMS
Cornelia "Tootie" Burns Adams, beloved daughter of Dr. Benton Burns and Margaret Ellen "Maisie" Roper Burns, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, July 21, 2020, at her home in Sumter.
Tootie was born on March 15, 1952, in Sumter, and returned where she resided until the time of her passing, having previously resided in North Carolina, New Mexico, Maryland and Alaska as an Air Force wife, mother and homemaker. She graduated from Edmunds High School and Limestone College. Upon graduation, Tootie pursued the services of helping others in the Department of Social Services in Sumter. She met Jim Adams and they married on Nov. 11, 1979. While in Sumter, she was a dedicated and an active member of The Church of the Holy Comforter. Tootie worked diligently with the Holy Comforter Shoe Fund for children in need; counted the offertory each Monday; took two mission trips to Honduras; and was an advocate of the Lamb Project. She never faltered when called upon. With her immense love of children, she aided in the Presbyterian Preschool Kindergarten for a number of years. Tootie was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and steadfast friend. Visiting the South Carolina beaches was a favorite or anywhere with family members and friends, old or new, would gather. She will be remembered for her large heart and radiating so much kindness. If you knew her, you loved her. She will be terribly missed.
Tootie is survived by her husband, Jim; son, David and his wife, Emily; and two grandsons, Noah and Ben. She is also survived by her siblings, Henri (Bob), Wade, Sue Smoak (Jerry) and Neil Burns; as well as one niece, three nephews and a great-aunt.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Benton Burns; her mother-in-law, Martha Lou Adams; and father-in-law, James Roy Adams Sr.
Plans for a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to a charity of one's choice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com.
Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.