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Mahlon Adams Obituary
Mahlon H. Adams, formerly of Charlotte, died peacefully March 16, 2012, after living a wonderful and varied life. She grew up in Greensboro, NC, and graduated from Curry High School there before attending Duke University. While at Duke she met and married Lin Adams, then a student at UNC, Chapel Hill. During her time in Chapel Hill, Mahlon involved herself in construction projects through her business, Superior Kitchens.
In 1967, Mahlon and Lin moved to Charlotte to live, work and raise their two sons. She was passionate about and devoted to her family, but she also found her passion in neighborhood activism. She was a founding member of her own neighborhood's organization, serving on its board from time to time over a 25-year period. During this time she became an advocate for more citizen involvement in decisions involving zoning and land use issues. She was a self-proclaimed 'gadfly' at city-county planning meetings and, in the 1980s, she was appointed to serve on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission. During her six-year term, she served as chair of the Park Commission. She played an important role in the redesigning of Freedom Park and it was this work and her encouragement of community activism that made so appropriate the naming of the Mahlon Adams Pavilion located in Freedom Park.
Mahlon was an ardent Democrat. However, she loved civil discourse with people of all political leanings. She also loved breaking bread with family and friends and with strangers who would quickly become 'family' in her home. Her annual Christmas tree trimming suppers were rich with tradition, conversation and excellent food.
The twinkle in her eye and her devotion to family, friends and the causes she embraced will be missed dearly. Mahlon was preceded in death by her husband, Lin Adams and her older son, 'Bunny' Adams. She is survived by her son Scott Adams, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. A memorial service celebrating Mahlon's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday March 20th, 2012, at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, 2701 Park Road, Charlotte, NC. Anyone wishing to make a gift in Mahlon's honor may make it to Boys and Girls Home, Flemington Dr., Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450, note it to the Queen City Optimist Cottage; or to the charity of their choice. TH Robertson Funeral Service Lic. is serving the Adams family www.throbertson.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Mahlon Adams
Mary Kane
March 26, 2012
Dear Scott,
I was so sorry to read that you'd lost your mother. I lost my own dear mother just over two years ago, and I still think of her every day. But it does get a little easier with time.
Mahlon was definitely a very special person and she will be greatly missed! Please take some comfort in knowing that she is now free from all her earthly ills and has rejoined your father. I wish I could have attended her funeral, but John and I were on a train back from NOLA at the time.
Grace, mercy and peace,
March 20, 2012
Hi Scott,
You don't know me but your mom and I worked together on many community issues during my time in Charlotte from 1980 to 2001. We served on the Charlotte Central District plan together as well as working on numerous other controversial and important issues. Of course, I broke bread with her and your Dad for community issues meetings at their house on Willow Oak Rd. When I moved to a central Charlotte neighborhood in 1980 from NJ, it was she and others within the then "Community Issues Council" that embraced me, taught me the Charlotte ropes and encouraged my leadership for
my immediate and broader community as newby in town.
Please know you and your family are in my thoughts.
Regards,
Nancy Garber
Hershey, PA
Phyllis Talbert
March 19, 2012
Scott, Both your Mom & Dad are responsible for the wonderful man & friend you are today. I know you will miss her. We have had many wonderful conversations about both your parents. I know Cathy will help you through this rough time. I hope to see you both Tuesday. Please let me know if I can do anything to help. Sending you many bear hugs, Phyllis
Dawn Neatherly
March 19, 2012
Truely an inspirational woman! Charlotte was blessed to have had her.
Marilyn & Wayne Jones
March 19, 2012
Our neighbor since the 1970's, Mahlon will be missed by our family,neighbors of Freedom Park Neighborhood, and other people whose lives she touched. We remember her Christmas parties, good cooking, friendship and political skills. She left a great legacy, Scott!
Jennifer Jones
March 19, 2012
What a loss to Charlotte, but also to our neighborhood. I grew up down the street from Mahlon and remember neighborhood association meetings where she was going 110 miles an hour; her wonderful holiday parties, and hearing the sound of her Volkswagen Karmann Ghia - which she loved - running up and down Willow Oak. She will be remembered and missed!
Nancy Wiggins
March 19, 2012
My sincerest condolences to the family. Mahlon and I served together on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission.
Sincerely,
Nancy Bowen Wiggins
Emily Walser
March 18, 2012
Truly a great loss. What an amazing lady with such zest for life. It was a distinct pleasure to have had a chance to briefy share time with CurlyTop. She was a big part of my husbands family. We will miss her.
Barbara Gammon
March 18, 2012
Mahlon, there are unfortunately too few voices like yours to keep our city and country to its promises of beauty and committment. Gadfly was applied lovingly by all of us that followed your lead.
Scott and family, as you all know only too well, your Mother was one in a million. She will be sorely missed.
Royal Feast at Brighton Gardens
Diana Daniels
March 18, 2012
We had only met her once at a Royal Feast but Scott spoke of her often . She was a Beautiful Lady and had many friends . We are glad we had the chance to meet her and see her smile .
Diana and Carl Daniels
Andrea Caraballo
March 18, 2012
Mahlon Adams was a true inspiration here @ Brighton Gardens with her sharing of family photos, and her loving spirit. How blessed we were. Thank you Scott for letting us spend time with this angel.
Fori McLean
March 18, 2012
Bear,dear ...
Am thinking of you as you celebrate your Mom's life on Tuesday. She left a wonderful legacy. May God comfort you as only He can.
Hugs to you, Kathy, and your extended family ...
Blessings in Christ,
F
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