Obituary of Cornelia Burns Adams

Cornelia “Tootie’ Burns Adams, beloved daughter of Dr. Benton Burns and Margaret Ellen “Maisie” Roper Burns entered into eternal rest at her home in Sumter, SC Tuesday, July 21, 2020. Tootie was born in Sumter, SC March 15, 1952, 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 November 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; counting the offertory each Monday; took two mission trips to Honduras, and as 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 Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.