Cathryn Adams

Cathryn Webb Clack Adams, 92, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012, at her home.

She was born Oct. 1, 1920, in Cairo, Ill., the second child of Elsie Webb and Ernest Clack. She was raised in Jackson and Cape Girardeau, graduating from Central High School and Southeast Missouri State University with a B.A. in business and history.

While attending high school and college, Cathryn formed a lasting friendship with five Southeast Missouri women: Pattie Seabaugh, Betty Dunklin, Mary Spitzmiller, Mary Lou Montgomery and Mary Blue, forever known as the "River Girls" in recognition to their annual summer gatherings at Current River.

On March 17, 1942, at the Presidio in San Francisco, Cathryn married her college sweetheart, Laurence B. Adams Jr.

When the youngest of their five children entered school, Cathryn began work as a secretary for Dr. A.C. Magill, state representative from Cape Girardeau, who shared an office with Rep. Warren E. Hearnes. Cathryn continued her work as executive secretary for Hearnes 14 years in the House of Representatives, office of the secretary of state and the governor's office, retiring in 1973.

Cathryn lived in Jefferson City 65 years, serving on the Cole County Library Board, Grace Episcopal Church Vestry and as a faithful member of Century Study Club. She also served as docent at the governor's mansion. Discovering tennis after retirement, she played regularly with Betty Coil, Meg Doll, Emma Stockard and Marge Blosser.

She is survived by her five children, Victoria Kornblum (Guy) of San Francisco, retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Adams (Jean) of Bulverde, Texas, James Adams of Sugar Land, Texas, John Adams (Sandra) of Kirkwood, Mo., Jeannie Doesburg (James) of Gig Harbor, Wash.; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, retired Army Maj. Gen. Laurence B. Adams Jr.; a brother, Alan M. Clack; and a sister, Mary E. Goodwin.

A celebration of Cathryn's life will be at 3 p.m. Thursday at Grace Episcopal Church in Jefferson City, with the Rev. Shariya Molegoda officiating. A reception will be immediately after the celebration service in Grace Episcopal Parish Hall.

Graveside service and interment will be conducted at 11:15 a.m. Friday at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Grace Episcopal Church.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary in Jefferson City.

www.freemanmortuary.com