On the Passing of Dr. Thelma Cornelia Davidson Adair
II Timothy 4:7

 

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” -II Timothy 4:7

The Presbyterian Mission Agency has joined the Family of the Late Dr. Thelma Cornelia Davidson Adair in announcing her passing on August 21, 2024, at the age of 103. On behalf of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus the officers and members join in expressing our sincerest sympathies to the Adair and Davidson Families.

I first met Dr. Adair during the Advent Season of 1988. She appeared at a holiday event sponsored by the Philadelphia Chapter. I was struck by her statue, the confidence of her speech and the love she articulated for men, women and children of the Church. It has been a lasting impression, stirred every time I have heard her name.

Dr. Adair was elected Moderator of the 188th General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America in 1976 in Baltimore, at that time, the first African American woman to do so. As an African American Moderator, she followed in the likeness of the Rev. Edler Hawkins and Dr. Clinton Marsh.

No one knows for sure that Dr. Adair set out to be a “trailblazer,” but indeed, that’s what she did. Raised in a family of outstanding Baptist Preachers (her father and seven brothers); educated at a Presbyterian school, Barber-Scotia College, she became: wife, mother, teacher, college professor, author, childhood educator, international women’s organizer, Peace Corps consultant, a fighter for social and economic justice, moderator, and much more. Needless to say, she has fought the good fight, finished the race of life and kept the faith in serving God who called her to be a Servant Leader.

The legacy she leaves will last long past our lifetimes. May the exemplary way she has served encourage us to serve in what she would consider “the radical nature of following Jesus Christ.”

You can learn more about Dr. Adair’s life by visiting: pcusa.org, News and Announcements: Blogs and E-newsletter.

Rev. Dr. Charles C. Heyward, Sr.

NBPC, President

 


 

Click HERE for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Presbyterian Mission article on Dr. Thelma Cornelia Davidson Adair.

 

Click HERE for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Presbyterian Mission article on Dr. Thelma Cornelia Davidson Adair.