MAE E ADAMS

Mae Etta Adams, affectionately known as “Ollie, Mama Mae, Aunt Ollie, was the seventh child born to Elbert and Minnie Smith on July 21, 1927, in Victoria, Texas.  Her parents, three sisters, Thelma, Lilly B, and Willie George “Tina”; five brothers, James, Fred, Robert, Houston, and Jonnie B “JB” preceded her in death. 

Mae Etta was joined in holy matrimony to Clarence Adams on August 20, 1966, and they enjoyed fifty-one years of wedded bliss. Mae Etta was an avid San Antonio Spurs fan.  When she was not cheering on the Spurs, you could find her working on her carport caring for her many beautiful plants which she loved sharing with her church and with others.

Being raised in a Christian family, Mae Etta professed her belief in Christ at an early age and joined Greater Corinth Baptist Church.   In 1951, she joined New Light Baptist Church under the pastorage of the late Rev. P. S. Wilkinson, Sr., where she taught Sunday School, was a member of Leola Crittenden Circle, and Ministers, Deacons, and Trustees Wives’ Ministry.  On April 20, 1997, Mae Etta became a Charter Member of New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church and served as a member of the Adult Sunday School Class #2, Sarah Circle, Greeters Ministry, Silver Saints, Senior Women’s Choir, Ministers, Deacons, and Trustees Wives’ Ministry.  She was a woman of faith who loved her church and her church family.         

Mae Etta was a graduate of Phillis Wheatley High School Class of 1947.  She received her Bachelor of Education Degree from Huston Tillotson University, Austin, Texas and a Master of Education Degree from Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas.  Mae Etta began her teaching career in the San Antonio Independent School District at Grant Elementary School and taught first grade for thirty (30) years.  After teaching for four (4) years at Forbes Elementary School, she was blessed to retire from teaching.  She had a passion for educating youth and dedicated herself to shaping young minds.  Mae Etta touched so many lives not only in the education arena but also in the community.  

 Mae Etta was a Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., San Antonio Alumnae Chapter.  She was initiated in 1949 Alpha Kappa Chapter, Huston Tillotson University, Austin, Texas. Mae Etta was a member of the Psi Sigma Chapter which in August 1933 became the San Antonio Alumnae Chapter.  She remained dedicated and financially active until her passing.  She served on numerous chapter committees, traveled to countless National Conventions, Regional Conferences, and state meetings.  In 2007 Mae Etta was selected “Delta Woman of the Year”.  At the 2025 Founders Day Celebration held February 1st, she was recognized as a 76 year Delta.  She has left a lasting memorable impression and legacy in the San Antonio Alumnae Chapter.    

She always had a beautiful smile at all times.  She was a woman of immense love and dedication, a cornerstone in the lives of her family and friends.

Mae Etta leaves to cherish and celebrate her love and life:  nieces Paulette McClure (Paul), Carol Ann Phelps (John), Felecia Smith, Deborah Lee (Marvin); nephews Byron Smith (Coralie); David Smith, Carlos Smith; bonus sons Clarence Adams, Jr. (Thelma),  James Adams (Cheryl); cousin Joyce Thompson; god children Charlotte Mulkey (James), Chelisa Harden (Chris); and a host of grand nieces, nephews, grandchildren, relatives and friends.