Nancy Jane Adams

Nancy Jane Adams, 77, of Florence, South Carolina died on January 24, 2025. 

She was with her devoted husband of 55 years, Bill D. Whitmire and three of her chosen family that day. Nancy had an infectious smile that made everyone happy to be in her presence.  She had many talents: writing, painting, singing, gardening, and she was one of the best whistlers that you would ever hear. When she whistled, she was at peace with herself and the rest of the world.

Born on April 4,1947 in Greenwood, South Carolina, Nancy was preceded in death by her son Homer Vernon Boone Whitmire, her mother Daisy P. Holsonback, her father W.O. Adams, her paternal grandparents Julian and Lelia Adams, her maternal grandparents James and Janie Perkins, and her brother William (Billy) Adams who was killed in Vietnam (1968).

Nancy grew up in Greenwood and graduated from Greenwood High School (1965). After high school, she attended Lander College (graduated1969) where she met Bill Whitmire. They were wed on September 6, 1969, in the town of Ninety Six, South Carolina (9-6-69 in 96 was her favorite expression).  She earned a master’s degree from the University of Kentucky (1972) in English Literature.  She became an avid University of Kentucky basketball fan while there.

She worked in the University of Kentucky Library, public schools in Horry County and in public schools in Athens Georgia, and finally at Wilson High School where she worked in the computer lab and library.  She was the go-to person for computer problems and created the first website for the Wilson Alumni Association (she was the IT person before they had IT). Nancy retired in 2010. 

Nancy is survived by her husband Bill Whitmire, who fell in love with her at first sight on March 2, 1967. She has eight “Florence” grandchildren: Charlotte, Ivey, Hunter, Adley, Everly, Lyla, Bill, and Beckett whom she loved very much. In addition, she is survived by her “Chosen” family (too many to name here but they know who they are). This Chosen family was and still is an important part of her and Bill’s life, especially Cathy and Clarence. She will be missed and remembered by this family.

A Celebration of Life will be held this fall in Pawleys Island, a place she loved very much and where she bid farewell to her son Homer.

South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the “Tribute Wall” tab above.