Mary Kaye Adams

Mary Kaye Adams, 84, of Dallas, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on March 25, 2026. She was born July 19, 1941, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to the late Grant Bartholomew Grumbine and Mae Catherine Grumbine.

Mary Kaye grew up in Oklahoma City, where she enjoyed water skiing with her family, racing her beloved MG, and spending time with loved ones. She graduated from Classen High School and maintained lifelong friendships with many classmates, including attending her 50th class reunion in 2009 with her husband and oldest daughter, Sheri.

Mary Kaye attended the University of Oklahoma, earning a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in education. As a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority, she formed friendships that remained a cherished part of her life until her final days. Cheering for the Sooners was a lifelong passion.

Mary Kaye’s distinguished career in education spanned 47 years. She began teaching high school English in Moore, Oklahoma. After moving to Texas, she taught English and test preparation at Texas Instruments and later served as Director of Learning Resources at the University of Texas at Dallas. There, she played a key part in the university’s transition from a graduate institution to a four-year college. She dedicated herself to the education and growth of incoming freshmen, touching countless lives with her expertise and encouragement.

Mary Kaye’s adventurous spirit shone brightly in her personal life. In the early 1970s, she competed in a women’s bowling league in Oklahoma City and advanced to the National Championship Tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada, for two consecutive years. She married USAF Capt. James David “Dave” Adams in 1975, and together they welcomed children Sarah Leigh and Grant Alexander. Military life took the family to Lajes Field in the Azores and across Europe, where they created memories that lasted a lifetime.

After Dave’s retirement from the Air Force, the family settled in the Dallas area, where Mary Kaye became deeply involved in her community. In 1996, she volunteered for the George W. Bush presidential campaign, which led to active participation in the Collin County Republican Party; she and Dave served as delegates in several election cycles. Later, she was appointed to the Collin County Historical Commission, a position she held with great pride.

Mary Kaye had a gift for connecting with people. Friends and colleagues remember her as someone who could always be counted on.

Above all, Mary Kaye’s greatest joy was her family. She was extremely proud of the achievements of her daughters, Sheri and Sarah, and her son, Grant—in education, in their professions, and in family life. Mary Kaye enthusiastically supported her children in every activity.

She and Dave delighted in their grandchildren, faithfully attending sporting events in rain, heat, or snow - with a McDonald’s coffee in hand - always cheering loudly for Ryan, Fallon, and Trinity. She also cherished school events and special occasions with her youngest grandchildren, Lilah and Victoria.

Mary Kaye loved Christ and placed deep faith in Him. She and Dave were devoted members of Prestonwood Baptist Church, where the church community grounded their lives in service and faith. Her favorite annual activities included attending “The Spirit of Christmas” programs at Prestonwood with friends and family.

Mary Kaye was preceded in death by her parents, Grant Bartholomew and Mae Catherine Grumbine; her brother, Grant Lee Grumbine; and her beloved husband, USAF Capt. James David Adams.

She is survived by her children: Sheri Birk Fowler (daughters Fallon Mae Jameson and Lilah Kaye Fowler); Sarah Leigh Bednar Adams (children Ryan James Bednar, Trinity Jane Bednar, and Victoria Samantha Bednar); and her son, Grant Alexander Adams. She was also proud to call James Burk Adams, David Walter Adams, and Charlene Kalck, and Charlene’s children and grandchildren, part of her family. Mary Kaye loved them all dearly.

Services will be held at Ted Dickey West (7990 President George Bush Turnpike, Plano, TX 75024) on April 16. Visitation will be from 10:00–11:00 a.m., followed by the service from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., and a brief reception until 12:45 p.m. Mary Kaye will be laid to rest thereafter in a private family ceremony with her beloved husband at Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery.

Mary Kaye loved flowers, but in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the American Macular Degeneration Fund (www.macular.org).

Mary Kaye lived a life marked by adventure, dedication to education, deep love for family, and quiet faith. She will be remembered for her vibrant energy and steady presence.