DR. THELMA C. DAVIDSON ADAIR

Dr. Thelma C. Davidson Adair (1920-2024): Christian, Leader, Activist, Educator, and Matriarch 

Born on August 29th, 1920, in Iron Station, North Carolina, the second of six children to Robert J. Sylvester Davidson and Frances V. Wilson Davidson, Thelma Cornelia Davidson developed a love and commitment to education, community, and the church that would endure throughout her long life and career. 

In 1934, Thelma graduated from Lincoln Academy and attended Barber-Scotia Junior College (1934- 1936), followed by Bennett College (1936-1938). Shortly after, Thelma met and married Rev. Dr. Arthur Eugene Adair in 1940. In 1942, the couple moved to New York City, and a year later, they established Mount Morris Presbyterian Church. During this time, Thelma also contributed to the World War II effort, which fueled her passion for community outreach and education. These experiences led her to establish the Arthur Eugene and Thelma Adair Community Life Center Head Start in 1944, serving more than 250 children throughout Harlem each year. Thelma would also continue her career in education, obtaining her Master's and Doctorate in Education from Columbia's Teacher College (M.A. 1945; Ed.D. 1959). As an expert in early childhood education, Dr. Adair shared her knowledge throughout New York City as a professor at Queen's College for over 31 years, organizing and directing numerous daycare and Head Start centers. 

In addition to her academic endeavors, Dr. Adair was also a strong activist and leader in the Presbyterian church, both nationally and internationally. Throughout the 1960s, she served as a leader in Crossroads Africa, the precursor to the Peace Corps. Later, in 1976, she was the first Black woman to be elected moderator of the 188th General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. Several years later, in 1980 (through 1984), Dr. Adair became the President of Church Women's United. 

In her later years, Dr. Adair, affectionately known as the mother of Harlem, continued to serve her church, community, and family. Her commitment to others never wavered, as she remained a lifelong advocate for education, Christianity, and equality. On any given day, she could be found enjoying the news, playing Uno, or singing a song. On August 21st, 2024, just shy of her 104th birthday, Dr. Adair passed away peacefully. 

Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Arthur Eugene Adair; daughter, Dr. Jeanne Davidson Adair, son, Rev. Richard Bomar Adair, older sister, Gwendolyn Davidson Cunningham, and younger brothers Charles Davidson, Arthur Davidson, Walter Davidson, and James Davidson. Thelma's legacy remains and is continued through her son, Dr. Robert Aton Adair, and his wife, Alicine Ross-Adair; Grandchildren: Kai Adair DuBose (Scorey DuBose Sr.), Robert Aton Adair Jr., Clarence Eugene Mevs (Darley Mevs), Jean-Louis Osei Mevs (Courtney Mevs), Liani Adair (Alikah Adair), Barbara Jean Adair Omire-Mayor (Dr. Daniel Omire-Mayor), Dr. Alexandra Elizabeth Victoria Adair (Randye Rand, II), and Ross Davidson Adair. Great-grandchildren: Sasha Jeanette DuBose, Kennedy Naomi DuBose, Scorey DuBose Jr., Kobe DuBose, Maximilian Mevs, Kelsey Mevs, Sophia Adair Mevs, Johnathan Owen Mevs, Harper Jean Alero Omire-Mayor. Delico Hawks-Adair, Mariah Berre-Adair Great-great grandchild: I'Maan Airianah Jackson Hawks-Adair Nephews: Arthur Davidson, Charles Davidson, Russell Davidson, Maurice Adair, Milton Tingling, Steven Tingling, Nieces: Katherine Davidson, Montez Davidson (Ronald Davidson), Michelle Tingling-Clemmons, Daisy Adir, and a host great nephews & nieces, great cousins, and extended family & friends.

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