Carol S. Adams

Carol Ann Smith Adams passed away peacefully and with the grace she showed the world on May 29, 2025 at home months before celebrating her 84th birthday.

She was the first child born to noted Naval Architect Joseph Dixon Smith and debutante Audrey Muse both of the Virgina tidewater.

She spent her childhood traveling across the country with her family to various design projects in Houston, New Orleans and Nashville where she graduated from both high school and obtained a degree in business from Vanderbilt University.

Upon graduation, she took a job at Alabama Dry Dock and Shipbuilding, working for her father. it was at that time she found the love of her life, Milton Edward Adams.

They lived in Mobile until 1965, when the closure of Brookley Air Field took her to the home she always dreamed of, Charleston, South Carolina.

She was the first woman hired to work in the nuclear reactors office and was hired by Hyram Rickover and later worked as a senior Executive Assistant at Southern Division Naval Facilities Command.

She felt that her grandchildren were the greatest joy of her life.

She was predeceased by her parents and her husband, Milton E. Adams, PE as well as an infant. She also was predeceased by her sister Elizabeth Jo Nichols of Gloucester, Va, sister-in law Francis Elaine Ahmadi and her husband Dr. Timothy P. Ahmadi of Mobile Alabama. Additionally, she was predeceased by nephews John Frank Novak, ASID and Phillip James Novak both of Mobile, Alabama.

She is survived by her daughter Darienne and her spouse Tina and grandsons Lawson Drummond McCurdy Adams (Lilly) and PFC Henry Logan Fleet Adams.

Additionally, she is survived by brother-in-law John Daniel Adams (Judith) of Mobile, Alabama and godson Vincent Joseph Novak (Emma Catherine) of Morrison, Colorado and numerous nephews and nieces.

Burial will be private and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted through McGill-Toolen scholarship fund, The Jamestown Society, The French Hugeunot Church or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC. (843) 766-1365.