Mrs. Marion Jean Adams, 80, known affectionately as “Mal-Mal,” passed away peacefully with her family and friends by her side. She was born on Jan. 10, 1944, to the late Edward “Grumpy” and Elizabeth Merritt Shreves and was the second-born child of the couple.
In high school, Marion loved to play basketball, and her height gave her a big advantage over the opposing team. She also loved playing powder puff football and was deemed the charging force on the team, pushing her teammates all the way to the goal post.
After graduating Chincoteague High School in the summer of 1962, she married the love of her life, Archie “Buddy” Adams, on a beautiful September day of that same year. Their union would last until his sudden passing in April 2013. While Buddy was in the U.S. Army, he was stationed at Ft. Meade and for the first and only time, Marion left her hometown.
Once out of the Army, she and Buddy made their home on the island, where they raised their only child, Michelle. Marion was an account specialist with the Town of Chincoteague for 24 years, retiring in 1999. After retirement, she decided to work part time for Bobby and Jerry Lou Turlington at Holiday Cottages at the reservation desk, where she continued to greet the public for at least another 10 years.
A devoted member of Union Baptist Church, Marion served her Sunday School class, the Ruth class, in many roles, including president, secretary, and treasurer, but most importantly, class decorator. She made sure the classroom was always decorated for the season, a role she took very seriously.
Besides her loving husband and parents, Marion was predeceased by siblings, Carl Richard Shreves and Jaunita “Snooks” Turlington, and three brothers-in-law, Jack Bowden Sr., Charles Ralph Turlington, and Johnny Booker.
She is survived by her devoted daughter, Michelle Merritt, and her boyfriend, Brad Cosner; her equally devoted sister, Billie Ann Bowden; two sisters-in-law, Ethel Fields and Pat Booker; several special nieces, nephews, and cousins; and by close family friends, Brenda Linton, Andi-Kay Tyler, Linda Daisey, and Bill McComb Jr.
A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15, at Union Baptist Church on Chincoteague Island with the Rev. Kevin Eley officiating. Interment was at John Taylor Cemetery in Temperanceville .
Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to Union Baptist Church, 6365 Church St., Chincoteague Island, VA 23336 or Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 691, Chincoteague Island, VA 23336.
Services were entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home, Inc. on Chincoteague Island. Online condolences can be given at www.salyerfh.com
