Mary Vance McAdams Whitcomb

Mary Vance McAdams Whitcomb died peacefully at Wesley Long Hospital on Tuesday, May 13, 2014. A celebration of her life will be held on Monday, May 19, at 11 am at the Westminster Presbyterian Church Chapel on West Friendly Avenue. A graveside service will follow at Green Hill Cemetery.

Born in Greensboro on October 3, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Mark and Kate Strader McAdams.

She was a proud graduate of Woman's College (now UNC-G) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry. She began her career with Vick Chemical upon graduation in 1948. After the birth of her first child, Vance chose to interrupt her professional career and devote her time and energy as a full time mother. When she returned to work, Vick Chemical was becoming a part of Proctor & Gamble and she enjoyed renewing old friendships and contributing her standard of excellence to her work in the lab.

Affectionately known as 'Gamma' to her family, she was an accomplished golfer, gardener, artist, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend. She had the amazing ability to master any task or craft. Gamma shared her special needlework, watercolor paintings, cards, basketry, and signature comfort food dishes with great joy.

She was steadfast in her devotion to her family, dignified and courageous in the face of illness, and leaves a legacy of love and gratitude.

Vance was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Bud Whitcomb in 2011.

She is survived by her daughters Kathy Smith and husband Randy of Summerfield, Mary Ogino and husband Guy of Matthews, and Christy Summey of Greensboro; sister Jo Grimley and husband Eugene of Elon, brother in law Chuck Whitcomb and wife Marilyn of Burlington; 'Gamma' is also survived by grandchildren Dr. Kate Lanier and husband Greg of Cambridge England, Walker Thompson and wife Dr. Lauren Duffy of Clemson SC, Jessica Ringer and husband Paul of Lake Lure, Charles Ogino of Matthews, and Laura Summey of Greensboro; two great granddaughters, Caroline and Amelia Lanier of Cambridge England. She is also survived by her beloved dog, Zeke.

The family will greet friends from 5 to 7 pm on Sunday May 18, at Hanes-Lineberry Funeral Home, North Elm Street, Greensboro.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Ave., Greensboro, NC 27405; the American Lung Association, 514 Daniels St. #109, Raleigh, NC, 27605; UNC-G Chemistry Enrichment Fund, PO Box 26170, Greensboro, NC 27402-6170;

or the charity of your choice.

The family is deeply appreciative of the kindness and support of Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, the staff at Wesley Long Hospital and LeBauer Healthcare, and the love of those who provided care for her during the final months of her life.

Special thanks to Wendy Slingerland, John Connor, and Dr. Clinton Young who gave her great hope, comfort, friendship and care.

On line condolences may be sent to www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.