Mable Powell Adams returned to her Heavenly Father on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021. Mable was born on Oct. 19, 1931 to Eva Tazell Powell and Purvis William Powell in Haverstraw. One of five children, she is survived by her sister, Barbara (Powell) Tucker of Richmond, Virginia. Her siblings, William Powell, Arvis (Powell) Beale, and John Powell are all deceased.
Mable and her family moved to Suffolk, Va. when she a little girl. She graduated from East Suffolk High School and attended Rocky Mount State College in North Carolina. Mable’s family always had a love of music and Mable sang in gospel choirs both in her home church and with other gospel groups.
She met and married John Adams who was serving in the U.S. Army. They settled in Suffolk for awhile where their three children, Barbara, John Jr. and Jacqueline were born.
John and Mable moved to Delhi, Johns home, in 1964. She led a very active life in Delhi. Mable became a lifelong member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, where she also sang in the choir. Her church family was important to her and she held many positions there. Her career at SUNY Delhi spanned 30 years, working as clerk and administrative assistant in many departments, while working evenings in the dining hall. (Oh, the stories!).
Mable was also very active in the Delhi community. Her dedication and service to the community included volunteering at the Office for the Aging, board of elections, annual pancake breakfasts, as a greeter at the elementary school, and as a member of the VFW Auxiliary. She received many honors and awards including Woman of the Year which was presented to her by the Governor at the New York State Capitol. She was an avid SUNY Delhi basketball fan.
Mable is predeceased by her daughter, Jacqueline, her husband John Sr. and niece Christine.
She is survived by her loving and devoted family, her daughter Barbara, son John Jr., grandson Guillaume, sister Barbara, son-in-law Kenneth, nephews Alvin and David, and nieces Shirley, Phyllis, Arvis and Tamara.
Graveside services were Friday, Jan. 15, at Woodland Cemetery, Delhi.
Contributions in memory of Mable may be made to the Jacqueline “Jackie” Adams Williams Scholarship Fund at Delaware Academy, 2 Sheldon Drive, Delhi, NY 13753.
Visit www.hallandpeet.com to share condolences with the Adams family.
