Tommie McCain Johnson Abrams

Tommie Abrams NEWBERRY - Tommie McCain Johnson Abrams died Wednesday, March 20, 2013, in Cary, NC. She was born May 31, 1922, the only child of Thomas Palmerian Johnson, of Newberry, SC, and Arlie Cleveland McCain Johnson, of Waxhaw, NC. She was baptized in the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Newberry, SC. Tommie grew up on Calhoun Street in the boarding house that her parents ran. Tommie graduated from Newberry High School in 1939. She graduated from Newberry College in 1943 and earned her Master's of Education from the University of South Carolina in 1952. Like her mother, Tommie became a school teacher and taught second grade in Great Falls and Greenwood, SC. Tommie married George Carter Abrams on October 8, 1955. After their marriage, Tommie joined Aveleigh Presbyterian Church. She was active in Presbyterian Women at Aveleigh and also served for decades as the secretary of the Neil Truesdale Sunday School class. Tommie and Carter had two children, Clark Ivy Abrams and Mary Tommie Abrams Morrison. Tommie encouraged her children to explore their interests in scouting, electronics, and crafts. Tommie shared her love of adventure and travel during family trips. After their children had grown older, Tommie was Carter's partner in the compilation of The Abrams Family Genealogy 1745-1979. Tommie was an immeasurable help to Carter as a travel companion, critic, and advisor. Most recently Tommie lived at Glenaire Retirement Community in Cary, NC, and attended Peace Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed visits with her children and grandchildren plus her many friends at Glenaire and Peace Presbyterian Church. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Tommie was predeceased by her parents and husband. She is survived by her children and grandchildren: Clark, Debbie and Thomas Abrams of Cary, NC, plus Mary, Mark, Hannah, and Sarah Morrison of Greer, SC. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. A memorial service will be held at the Glenaire Auditorium in Cary, NC, at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 22. The funeral service will be held in Newberry, SC, at Whitaker Funeral Home at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 24. Burial will follow in Rosemont Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to Newberry College for the Arlie Cleveland McCain Johnson Scholarship, 2100 College St., Newberry, SC 29108 or to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607 or to a charity of one's choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com. Whitaker Funeral Home of Newberry is assisting the family.