Mildred Sandling Adams

FUQUAY-VARINA - Beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, Mildred Sandling Adams peacefully went home to be with the Lord on May 10, 2022 surrounded by her loving family in her home. She was the oldest daughter of the late Benjamin Franklin Sandling and Audrey Bailey Sandling of Wake Forest, NC. Mildred was a kind, outgoing, resilient and selfless “southern belle” and will be missed by many who loved and respected her. Born and raised in the General James M. Mangum House (built circa 1838) in the New Light Township of Wake County, Mildred spent her childhood of humble beginnings playing with her sister and her cousins while her parents both entertained and visited extended family and friends every weekend for entertainment. Thus, a life filled with hospitality began. Mildred attended Wake Forest High School where she was a varsity cheerleader and served on the school yearbook staff. Upon her graduation in 1957, Mildred went to work for the NC Dept. of Revenue where she met and married the love of her life, David M. Adams of Raleigh. Married on Thanksgiving Day, 1960 at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Raleigh, Mildred and David enjoyed 52 faithful years of marriage together. Mildred became a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church in 1961 where she faithfully served in many capacities, most notably as a “greeter” with her never-ending friendly smile and outgoing personality. Mildred had a talent for planning parties and wedding receptions and she enjoyed taking a home-cooked meal to anyone who was sick. She loved fresh flowers and intricately cut fruits and vegetables and she always enjoyed incorporating them into her food garnishments and decorations. As she was often prone to say, “The eye eats before the stomach!” Mildred volunteered for Hospice of Wake County for more than twenty years, caring for and loving her numerous patients and families during their life’s final journey. She was also a member of the Wake County Historical Society, the Brentwood Garden Club, and the NC Bluebird Society. Mildred was a voracious reader and read many books throughout her life. She loved to travel with family members and friends, visiting such places as Italy, New York, The Grand Canyon and Alaska, to name a few. Her most favorite escapades were her annual trips to Williamsburg, VA with her sister Jo Ann, and her cousins Clare and Pat. After staying home to raise her children, Mildred later returned to work in the NC Attorney General’s Office where she served under the Honorable Rufus L. Edmisten during his run for Governor of the State of NC. While she loved her time in the Attorney General’s office, her most esteemed career was that of devoted wife and mother to her family. Mildred is survived by her daughter Angela M. Chevallier and husband Paul of Raleigh, NC; her son David P. Adams and wife Jan of Holly Springs, NC; eight grandchildren - Kayla Benfield and husband Bryce; Sophie Chevallier, Madeline Nipper and husband Jordan, Eli Chevallier, Micah Chevallier, Kenan Adams, Morgan Adams, and Ashton Leigh Adams; and four great-grandchildren – Caleb Benfield, Elizabeth Benfield, Liam Girdley, and Riley Nipper. In addition, she is survived by her loving sister and best friend, Jo Ann Adcock and her devoted husband Edward Adcock; first cousin Clare Clayton (who was just like a sister to her), and brother Bobby Sandling. Mildred is also survived by three loyal and loving aunts, Mrs. Maxine O’Neal, Mrs. Ruby Hobby, and Mrs. Mamie Rogers. The family would like to extend its most heartfelt gratitude to Mildred’s three caregivers (Misty McIntyre, Rennie Harris and Roxanne Lord), who not only provided tender and impeccable physical care to her in her later years, but who also loved her deeply. Whether Mildred was known as “Miss Mildred,” “Ladybug,” or simply “Mom,” their love, care and compassion will resonate throughout the Adams’ household for future generations to come. A service to celebrate Mildred’s life will be held at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27604 on Sunday, May 15, 2022 beginning at 2:00 p.m. The family will welcome visitors immediately following in the parlor. Flowers are welcome or a memorial contribution may be made to either Tabernacle Baptist Church, 8304 Leesville Road, Raleigh, NC 27613 or Transitions LifeCare (formerly Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607. Funeral arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com