Mrs. Joan Grayson Tate Adams, 82, passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2026 surrounded by her family.
A native of Greenwood, SC, Joan was born on April 1, 1944. She was the daughter of the late Melvin Greyson Tate and Esther Hammett Tate. Joan married the love of her life, Robert “Whitey” Adams on October 31, 1964.
In addition to her husband Whitey, Joan is survived by her children, Randall G. Adams (Monica Lynne Ray) and Kathryn Grayson Adams Trader (Adam C. Trader); two grandchildren, Jessica Lynne Adams and Robert Zachary Adams and Whitey’s service dog, Cindy. She was preceded in death by her parents, her step-mother, Mary Jim Horton Tate; and siblings, Melvin Greyson Tate, Jr., Betty Tate Delorme and Nancy Tate Hellams. She was also preceded in death by Happ (Whitey’s first guide dog).
Her favorite roles in life were wife, sister, mom, grandmother (AKA Joan-Joan), neighbor, and friend. Her recent years were spent lovingly caring for Whitey as his one true love, companion, driver, co-conspirator, co-writer, and typist of his signature shenanigans, including monthly Trivia.
Those who knew and loved Joan were blessed to have a wonderful friend and family member, and also a trusted confidant. She was someone they could always turn to, lean on, and share life’s many ups and downs.
The family will receive friends at the home of her daughter, Kathy, 2353 Raven Drive, Rock Hill, SC 29732 on Friday, September 4, 2026 from 3 pm-6 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be lovingly made in Joan’s name to www.dogsinc.org.
Please remember “Love doesn’t die, people do. So, when all that’s left of me is love, Give me away” – Merritt Malloy