Janet Nair Adams (née Janet Cook Nair) passed away in peace December 12, 2012, hands joined with her two daughters. A loving wife, mother, step-grandmother and great-grandmother, chemist, homemaker, world traveller, antiques dealer, shop owner and collector, Janet was passionate about life and remained forever young at heart. To celebrate Janet's life, the family will have a Witness to the Resurrection service at White Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1704 Oberlin Road, Raleigh, NC, at 11 am on Saturday, December 15th and greet friends afterwards in the Jane Bell Gathering Space behind the sanctuary. A private family burial will have been held prior to the service.
Janet was born February 1, 1922, in Syracuse, NY, daughter of Dr. John Henry Nair and Claire Cook Nair. She lived in Syracuse until the age of eleven, when her father was transferred by the Borden Company to Decatur, Georgia. She travelled back north to attend Northfield School for Girls in Northfield, Massachusetts, where she graduated in 1940. Following graduation, she began her college education at Agnes Scott College in Atlanta, Georgia, transferring two years later to UNC-Chapel Hill where she met the love of her life, Clarence Leonidas Adams, a WWII veteran and son of a family with deep roots in Southern history. She completed her B.S. degree in chemistry and married Clarence, who, at the time, was a Naval officer stationed in Florida, in 1944. Janet and Clarence moved north to Boston, Massachusetts where Clarence was assigned duty on a sub-chaser during WWII. Janet consequently went to New Jersey to stay with her parents for the birth of the first daughter, Karen, who was born on VE Day, 8th May 1945. Clarence was relieved of duty with the European end of the War, and the couple moved south, to Clarence's hometown of Raleigh, NC. Their second daughter, Susan (Suzi) was born in Raleigh in 1950. Clarence preceded Janet in death in 1979 at the age of 56.
In Raleigh Janet briefly had a toddlers' school in their home on Franklin Street and later worked in a Raleigh laboratory for the NC State Highway Department. She was a homemaker for many years, taught Sunday school, and later assisted Clarence in establishing Clarence Adams Realty Company when he branched out into commercial and land real estate upon leaving Adams and Terry Realty. A good businesswoman, Janet acquired a broker's license after Clarence's death and continued to run Clarence Adams Realty until her death. One project she oversaw to fruition along with partners Bob Robinson of Charlotte, NC and Edith C. Lumpkin (deceased) of Louisburg, NC was the creation and development of Weatherstone PUD in Cary, NC. Through her passion for history and by reading and studying most mornings with Clarence in their living room, she became a knowledgeable and avid collector of Chinese and English porcelain. With partner and long-time friend Joyce Allen Cockerham (deceased) of Raleigh, NC, she co-owned Adams-Cockerham Gallerie, later to become Janet Adams Antiques and was a founding member of the Raleigh Antiques Dealers' Association. She enjoyed lecturing on 18th century English Staffordshire pottery and most recently was planning this presentation for the New Year at The Cypress of Raleigh.
Janet lived her life with gusto, traveling worldwide, including multiple visits to many countries in Europe, especially England (and all of Great Britain), various Central and South American countries, China, Alaska, Mexico, Morocco, Scandinavian countries, the Holy Land, Caribbean Islands, much of the United States and Canada. She always maintained a thirst for knowledge and was a voracious reader (in particular, historical novels). She kept up to date with technology and was the first in the family to have and use a computer in 1979, on which she created many greeting cards and posters, plus enjoyed playing games. She could efficiently use 3 remote control devices simultaneously to play DVD's through her cable system. 'Skyping' (via a camera she bought and installed herself) with her daughter and grandchildren in England became a favorite past time. She had purchased the original Kindle to use for reading in bed at night; and most recently had acquired and become proficient in using an iPhone and iPad.
Janet had multiple hobbies and community interests. She was passionate about her rose garden and flower arranging, for which she previously had won many ribbons, among them a tri-color; enjoyed the camaraderie of the Coley Forest bridge club and bridge groups at The Cypress; was one of the founding members of the Coley Forest Garden Club; held a variety of offices in the Colonel Polk Chapter of the DAR; participated regularly in her Circle at White Memorial Presbyterian Church; was a member of Carolina Country Club; loved the N&O crossword puzzles and 'funny papers,' taking time for these daily over morning coffee; and was a long-time board member of Genesis Condominium Homeowners Association at Pine Knoll Shores, NC. She loved the beach and spent happy times there with family and friends all her adult life. With Clarence, many years ago in their days of boat ownership, she completed the Power Squadron Nautical Navigation courses and acquired her certificate. She was a meticulous seamstress and creator of most anything that involved sewing, knitting, crocheting and crewelwork. Her daughters often joked with pride, "Mother sewed us through high school." She could decipher how to 'fix' or make anything, such as the lamps with interior Christmas lights she designed and produced from wine bottles. She was a 'true blue' Carolina fan and cheered the Tar Heels through thick and thin for 70 years. She loved to entertain and was quite famous for her annual Christmas Eve open houses and themed Halloween costume parties.
Janet lived in Coley Forest in Raleigh, NC, independently for 52 years before moving to The Cypress of Raleigh in 2011 – a home she had grown to love, where she enjoyed activities with numerous friends, new and old. Her regular circle of friends and loved ones also extended 'over the pond' to many in England's villages and cities. Janet's family includes her daughters Karen Adams Fox (wife of John Peter Fox (deceased) of Thurstaston, England) and Suzi Adams Bowden (wife of John Hearn Bowden (deceased) of Raleigh, NC); numerous nieces and nephews of the Nair and Adams families; 5 step-grandchildren, John Michael Bowden (Jamie Lynn Bowden) and Kate Elizabeth Bowden of Raleigh, NC, Dr. Thomas Peter Fox, Katherine Fox Rosier (Christopher Rosier) and Dr. Jacqueline Fox, all of England, UK, and 9 step-great-grandchildren of Raleigh and England.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to UNC-TV, P.O. Box 600067, Raleigh, NC 27675.
Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St. Raleigh. Condolences may be made through www.brownwynne.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Karen and Suzi.
January 11, 2013
Lynne Plaza
If luck is a raindrop, I'd send you a shower. If hope is a minute, I'd send you an hour. If happiness is a leaf, I'd give you a tree. And, if you need a friend, you will always have me.
Fondly remembering your mother, her Halloween party and Suzi's finding 'the dead squirrel' when we were clearing her attic.
January 11, 2013
The Lumpkins
The Lumpkins are heartbroken .
Janet was the dearest of friends (and business partners)…a reliable and trustworthy “confidante”…a second mom…one of the rare GRAND OLD GALS!
We loved her, and we love you & Suzi
January 11, 2013
Patty Adams
Hi Dear Cousins. Wow.. don't know what to say to you about Aunt Janet..other than I am honored to have loved her and to know that she loved me. She was so much life, so much love, and so much spirit. I have tried to remember my 'favorite' Aunt Janet memory...and i just can't. So many. I guess my earliest are those at Grandma Adams', her coming and going. I remember her always being dressed so perfectly. I remember going with her, and members of her garden club, to view and judge Christmas decorated houses. I remember her and her Beautiful GingerBread house. At the bottom of the steps of the Coley Forest house. I remember her on Thanksgiving Day at her home... after moving those thanksgiving dinners from East Lane St.. being the gracious hostess. I remember her with me, after my Daddy died at the funeral home ... me not wanting to go in 'to see him' her whispering in my ear that it would be ok...that i should... wiping my tears, my fears. Aunt Janet being there with me. It was ok.. I did go in that room. And to this day, I'm glad I did.. A secret.. only Aunt Janet and I know, til now, Aunt Janet 'helped' me write a note to my Dad and we slipped the note in his coffin..Don't even remember exactly what that note said, but just remember the gesture. I remember Aunt Janet with great love, admiration and affection. She was one special person.
I just want to let the two of you know that I love you both and my heart is so saddened about Aunt Janet. I love the memories that I have of our fabulous Savannah 90th birthday celebration.
love love love you..
Patty
January 11, 2013
Jane (Adams) Price
My thoughts and Prayers are with you and Suzi. Aunt Janet was "one of a kind" and will be so dearly missed.
Love, Jane
January 11, 2013
Anne and Richard Turner
What a life! So full and active, really almost to the end. To go peacefully and calmly with her daughters beside her was a good way to leave.
We are thinking of you.
Love,
Anne and Richard
January 11, 2013
Bettina, Nico and Johanna Tria
We are glad to hear that your mum was allowed to pass away at home and in peace with you and Suzi being with her.
We send you and Suzi our condolences with all our heart and wish you a lot of strength to go through all that is to be organized and done in the next weeks.
We are very thankful that we were able to come and see your mum in her new home last year and spend such wonderful time together. Johanna still remembers the wonderful witch in front of the door and all the little things to look at in the flat.
Lots of love from us all and a big, big hug,
Bettina
With Nico and Johanna
January 11, 2013
Janet Bagnall
Love to you both at this very sad time. Janet was an amazing lady and she had two wonderful daughters. Loving thoughts, Janxx
January 11, 2013
Gene, Jenny, Hannah Tougher
Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. But know that your beloved mother will be with you both, always.
Deepest Sympathy.
Gene, Jenny & Hannah
January 11, 2013
Manorette Conteh
Dear Karen and Suzi,
I will always keep you both in my prayers. I will not be able to attend the funeral. I will always be thinking about you all. Thanks again.
Stay bless,
Manorette Conteh
January 11, 2013
Mary Kamotho
hallo Karen and Suzi
I pass my sympathy to you two and entire family at this most difficult time.
Just want to say my thoughts and prayers are with you . It was too hard to be told this morning. Have the peace of God.
love, Mary Kamotho
January 11, 2013
Daphne and Martin Amlôt
My Dearest Friend,
I am so very sad for you, and for Suzi, that your mother has passed away. She will leave a void which, in time, I am certain you will be able to fill with the happiest of memories. You have been wonderful with her and I am sure that she was much comforted to know that you both were with her constantly during these past months and weeks.
Karen, I send this with much love from both Martin and me...
...and a great big hug!
Daphne XX
January 11, 2013
Sophie Rosier
Oh Karen - and Suzi - I'm so so sorry.
All my love and thoughts xxxx
January 11, 2013
Gaelagh and George Makin
Dear Karen and Suzi,
So sorry to hear your sad news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Lots of love
January 11, 2013
Lauri Nair
Dear Suzi and Karen,
I am so sorry. Please feel us hugging you. I just talked to Jim and he sends his love too. She was a great lady who lived life to the fullest. We love you all.
Love, Lauri xxoo
January 11, 2013
Diane Johnson
My heart and prayers are with you and Suzi. I will miss Janet terribly and am so glad she went in peace. Be strong as she was and know that she was very proud of you girls and loved you dearly.
January 11, 2013
Rebecca Marie Fox
I'm so sad for you both and everyone I know will be grieving with you both, including myself. My own sadness is being tempered somewhat with all the happy memories we can cherish, especially watching the Jungle Book 'I wanna be like you' over and over again!
My heart and thoughts are with you xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
January 11, 2013
Jenny Manuel
Dear Karen
Thank you for telling me the sad news. I am glad that it was peaceful and comfortable for her.
Janet truly made the world a better place by showing how it was possible to live with a truly open and generous heart. I hope you and Suzi can be comforted by the knowledge that she passed that knowledge onto her daughters.
January 11, 2013
Mimi McKinney
Karen and Suzi,
Janet's obituary yesterday - just want to say that it was a wonderful tribute to an amazingly outstanding woman! There were things that, after all these years of knowing your mother, I was not aware of. But I do know that she was spirited, spunky and seriously a lover of Life!
OH, we have missed and WILL miss her so very much -
Much love with hugs to you both
January 11, 2013
Chip Cockerham
Hi Karen;
I was certainly saddened to hear about your mom.
Deb and I are planning to be at the White Memorial Church for the 11:00am service and for the lunch that follows.
See you then.
January 11, 2013
Kathryn Kidd Lawrence
I am so very sorry for your loss. Your mother was a wonderful woman, and a special part of my childhood. She raised two beautiful, generous, amazing women and helped nurture a friendship between sisters I know you are both leaning on each other to get through this difficult time. You are in my prayers for peace and gentle days. I will be thinking of you all as you celebrate the life of a remarkable woman who earned the admiration and affection of many, including me.
Love you
January 11, 2013
Elizabeth Smith
To Karen and Suzi,
I am so sorry to hear this. I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.
Take care,
January 11, 2013
Jamie Jacobson (Adams)
Godspeed, Janet. Resting now in majestic arms.
Sending our arms around you, sweet solace, and eternal love.
We are here for you.
January 11, 2013
Sue Crosby
My dear Karen,
Thinking of you, and Suzi of course, and sending our love to you both. You will all be in my prayers.
xxxx
January 11, 2013
Brock and Polly Downward
Hi Karen and Suzi -
We have heard of your Mom's death. We know this has been a rough, rough time of you both. Your Mom is now at peace. We are sad along with you. You have been in our prayers - and will continue to be there.
Love
January 11, 2013
Virgil Hurley
Very sorry for your loss, our prayers with you and Suzi.
You certainly had a wonderful Mum and she lived a long and active life, and she sure had two wonderful daughters and a great family. I know you will miss her. I will keep you in my prayers and although I will only be a short distance away at the time of the service I will be thinking of you.
January 11, 2013
Revd Jane Turner
Dear Karen,
Pat has just let me know about the death of your mother this morning. So this is to assure you of my prayers.
May you know the peace of the Christ-child as you grieve in the run up to Christmas.
God Bless
January 11, 2013
Jacqui Rose
I am so glad that you are able to be with your Mother and also that you and Suzi will be together during this time. I am also thankful that it is peaceful and trust in Divine that it will remain so. Missing you heaps and thinking of you and yours all the time. All love and strength
January 11, 2013
Rita and Mike Ward
Oh Karen,
I'm so sorry to hear about your Mother, but pleased to hear that she was at peace.
You look after yourself
Lots of love
January 11, 2013
Pat and David Hulme
My dearest, dearest girl,
How sad you must be feeling at this moment, and yet a part of you will be relieved that your Mother has been allowed to die with dignity, in her own bed, and surrounded by her family. How do you do it Karen? You did it for Jack, and now for your Mother, they were definitely blessed having you for a wife and daughter.
David and I send our heartfelt sympathy to you, Suzi and all the family, and pray you find comfort knowing how much you are loved, and by the prayers being said.
Your Mum's passing was announced to the congregation at St Bartholomew's on Sunday, and it was also in the news sheet, and we prayed for her and the family during the intercession prayers. I hope you will be comforted to know just how many people have been asking after you.
I did my Christmas visit to Thelma Welsh, and as we walked into the flat, she was saying she hadn't seen you, and were you all right. Needless to say she was really upset to hear the news, and indeed asked if I would send you her love and Sympathy.
This is sent with love as always.
January 11, 2013
Roy Teel
Karen and Suzi,
I am very saddened to learn of the loss of your mother. She is a wonderful woman. How fortunate both of you are to have such a special mother. The uncountable memories of joy and happiness will bring to both of you many smiles and help sustain you through this difficult time
January 11, 2013
Tom Fox
December 15, 2012
Thinking of the life and times of Mama Janet today-a marvellous life lived with great love and spirit.I remember rushing out to buy some whisky tumblers before she visited us in Leeds!She is missed.X
January 5, 2013
Lynn Hurley
Suzi, I have just learned of your Mothers passing. I'm sorry I was not with you to celebrate her wonderful life. Please know that thoghts and prayers are with you.
December 29, 2012
Jane Maughan
Suzi, I just heard about your mom yesterday, and I apologize for such a belated message ! She was one of my favorite "moms" in our high school group...so upbeat, fun, and caring. I'm certainly thinking of you and Karen, and pray that you both gain strength and peace in the coming days.
December 24, 2012
Rebecca Fox
Mama Janet was an incredible lady (just read the above!!), and I am extremely grateful to be able to call her my Great-Grandmother. She loved and lived her life to its fullest and that's how I'll always think of her, bubbly, singing along to the Jungle Book and making amazing Gingerbread houses at Christmas!! Love always xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
December 20, 2012
julie Holderness
Oh Dear Suzi, Your mother was a dynamo! I did not know of her passing until after the service! My prayers are with you and your family during this time. I remember her. She always was so welcoming in your home. Please lets get in touch. I want to talk to you! Love, Julie
December 18, 2012
Margaret Siemion
I loved visiting Aunt Janet...she had a great sense of humor and could make light of difficult situations. It was great spending time in Atlantic beach, sitting on the beautiful beach enjoying cold drinks and refreshing salty swims. I will dearly miss her.
December 18, 2012
Sandy Acton
Karen and Suzi, I am so sorry that I just learned of your mother's passing. She was truly a Southern Lady! My prayers are with each of you.
December 18, 2012
Beth Albright
I have such fond memories of my Aunt Janet. I loved listening to her talk of her travels and history of our family. I will truly miss her.
December 18, 2012
Joanna Fox
I feel so lucky to have had 22 years with Mama Janet in my life and her memory will certainly live on. Her passion for living, warmth and sense of humour will always stay with and inspire me.
I have wonderful memories of times spent together- Christmas time in North Carolina, Summer in Devon and hilarious meal-times ("I'll have the same, with a vodka").
December 17, 2012
J. G.
December 17, 2012
Jean & Walter Davis
Karen and Suzi
I want you to know how much your mother meant to me. She was the extra mom for me that we all need. She always gave me good advice and a different point of view. We really regret not being able to attend the service on Saturday. Both of our cars went south on us overnight, tire on one and battery on the other.
Walter and I will miss her laugh, her smile and her cheerful disposition.
December 17, 2012
Bob & Mary Alice Vogler
Suzi, I just found out about the passing of your mother. I was always fond of her and admired her. She will be missed.
December 17, 2012
Kyle Szulik
Karen and Suzi, I will always remember the Christmas Eve parties at your mom's house. When we flew to Raleigh for the holidays, I knew it was to be part of the holiday tradition. She was such a wonderful lady and I know you will miss her. I am sure that this will be a hard Christmas without her.
December 16, 2012
Kathy Acton
Suzi, I remember your mother with such fondness and admiration. You are in my prayers.
December 15, 2012
Lide Anderson
Karen and Suzi, I'm sorry I missed the service today. Thank you for giving us such a complete and thoughtful account of her life in the obituary; she was truly a remarkable woman, and I know you will miss her. Lide Anderson
December 15, 2012
Thinking of the life and times of Mama Janet today-a marvellous life lived with great love and spirit.I remember rushing out to buy some whisky tumblers before she visited us in Leeds!She is missed.X
December 14, 2012
Susha Pratt
Aunt Janet let me stay with her one summer when I was 14. She was gracious and kind and received me like family. She was a special lady.
December 14, 2012
Jackie Fox
Mama Janet , a wonderful lady with a huge heart who embraced her British family , truly inspirational with her fun and zest for life .
December 14, 2012
Betty Gaither-Halter
I enjoyed seeing you at our DAR Chapter meetings in Raleigh, and you were such a joy to sit beside. As the days and weeks pass, and as your family return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. Peace - your DAR sister, Betty Gaither-Halter.
December 14, 2012
Kathy Fox Rosier
Such a vast amount of love , respect and gratitude for the Lady we have known and for the Lady with hidden depths and history that we wished we had known more . Our family will treasure memories of Portugal ,North Devon and especially at this time our wonderful Christmas in North Carolina 2006 when Mama Janet made the gravy and Miss Virginia looked so pretty ,Suzi's house so festive and jolly and Karen's generosity in spirit and presents! Not forgetting my Dad who was adored by all the Adams Girls what a lucky Man !
December 14, 2012
Lynne Royall
My father Harold Worley and I send our sincerest condolences to Suzi and all of Janet's family. There are so many things to say about Janet, but my favorite is that she was just so much fun to be around! My fondest memory is of time spent at a North Carolina Dealers in Antiques convention. Janet, Joyce Cockerham, Jean Newton, my mother Ruth Worley, and I had a glorious time--largely owing to Janet's presence! I am now the only one left of that quartet. I miss them all.
December 14, 2012
Ellen Adams
Dear Family,
I have been looking through photos all evening, remembering a kind lady, remembering many, many wonderful visits, remembering how kind she was to my five kids when they were so young. Tonight, via Facetime with sister Patty, I shared some of my old photos of Aunt Janet and my kids from years ago. I pulled out last years Christmas card from Aunt Janet (which is now clipped to my Xmas tree). The card is handwritten, as always, and the sweetest note ever. Patty and I continued chatting about fun times with Aunt Janet-the beach trips, the visits at "the river", and on Coley Forest Road. Finally, we sang that old country song, "Will the Circle be Unbroken"...a song our mom Patsy loved, and, well,... it seemed to fit. So, we sang. Of course, we sounded terrible, but we sang anyway, and remembered a wonderful person, our Aunt Janet.
Remarkable lady, I proudly call my Aunt Janet. I miss her so dearly already.
Peace to all, and love, especially cousins Karen and Suzi.
"Ellie" in Sequim, Washington
December 14, 2012
My family will hold on to our many beautiful memories of such a lovely lady. Jen, Sam, Amy, and Chad
December 14, 2012
Susan Pazin
What a beautiful tribute to your mother. She was a remarkable woman! I am so sorry for your loss.
December 14, 2012
Melissa Best
I have one of those lighted wine bottles and too many beach memories to count. What a remarkable lady. No words are enough.
with love,
December 14, 2012
Nancy Abraham
Janet was a capable, bright, spirited lady. I remember well the gingerbread house that she made at Christmas when we were children. She was a wonderful neighbor with a sharp wit, a "huoma universale". My sincerest sympathy to both of you, Karen and Suzi with my love and prayers.
December 14, 2012
I remember Janet to be capable and intelligent, a wonderful neighbor with a sharp wit. I'll never forget the gingerbread house that she made. Truly she was a huoma universale. My sincerest sympathy to karen and Suzi.
With my love and prayers,
Nancy Abraham
December 14, 2012
Charlene Willard Hein
Suzi and Karen, your mom was a remarkable lady that I always admired. Such sprit and energy - truly a model for all of us on how to live life well and to its fullest!
December 14, 2012
Robert. & Mirka Christesen
Our sincerest condolences are sent to Karen and the entire Adams family on the loss of their beloved mother. I know my wife Mirka who is currently in Prague will be upset not to be able to attend the service. We know how loved she was and how close ther daughters were to her until her last breath.
December 13, 2012
Lee Lumpkin
Janet was and will always remain one of the dearest friends my family has known.
God truly blessed the Lumpkins with this warm, intelligent and loving woman. Our lives have been enriched beyond anything words can measure by Janet, Clarence and their two wonderful daughters.
With sincere love and prayers for the family,
Lee Lumpkin (Morehead City, NC)
December 13, 2012
Charlie Adams
Remarkable lady, my aunt Janet. Known to me for so many decades and life experiences, possessed of many talents, proud owner of so many fine and fascinating things. She taught her kids to laugh and she laughed herself (unabashedly and loudly); her giggles were infectious. Opinionated and self-professed to be brutally honest she was actually much softer than that. Embrace the memory of a truly unique lady.
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