Dr. Jeannie Elizabeth Adair was born in Morehead City, N.C., on June 3, 1974. She was the daughter of Mrs. Peggy Lawrence Adair Chadwick, of Raleigh, N.C., and the late Mr. Julius Adair Jr.
As a young lady, Jeannie had a natural passion to help people which led to her life’s work. She graduated from East Carteret High School in 1992, received a B.A. in psychology at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, an M.S. in counselor education at East Carolina University, and finally a Ph.D. in counselor education at North Carolina State University. Her education led her to a career of helping abused and mistreated people. Her employment included rape crisis centers, a long stint with the federal government achieving the status of expert witness, and two firms here on the Eastern Shore – the last being the Coordinator of Mental Health Outpatient Services at the Eastern Shore Community Services Board in Parksley.
Jeannie fought for the underdog. Even though she was of higher education, Jeannie rarely introduced herself as Dr. Adair; she was Jeannie. The quintessential Carolina girl, beautiful, kind, outgoing, and funny, who bled Carolina Blue, never met a stranger, and would talk to anyone. She was the chick that would leave her car running in the road while moving a turtle to safety.
Her furry babies, Mary and Emma, always comforted her when her health issues erupted and would never leave her side; they will miss her. Jeannie cherished nature and her fondest memories were fishing and boating with her late father as she was daddy’s girl. Blessed to have her stepfather, Mr. Johnny Chadwick, of Raleigh, who she adored, and her “Virginia Dad” Mr. John L. Parks Jr., of Melfa, whom she spoiled.
Jeannie arrived on the Eastern Shore in early 2017, sharing a residence with her partner, Marshall Broughton Parks LS, in Vaucluse Shores in Northampton County. It did not take long for her to make friends in and outside of her work and in the community. If it was giving a senior citizen a hug to make him feel special, doing a favor for a friend, or donating time for the betterment of the masses, Jeannie always put herself second to the comfort of others. This came from her very generous nature.
She shared everything right down to her organs, once she passed away on May 25 from a traumatic head injury. Although she suffered from multiple health issues, Jeannie never complained. Her only disappointment was that she could not get up and go as much as she liked.
The world was a much better place with Jeannie in it. When in doubt be kind. Stop and watch a sunset. Enjoy the sand in your toes. Love your people.
Rest in peace, my Jeannie.
