Emily Borgus Adamson, daughter of the late Brown Colbert and Laura Holloway Borgus, was born on August 22, 1924 in Lexington.
She departed life peacefully on March 21, 2014 at Kendal at Lexington.
Emily attended Lylburn Downing Elementary School in Lexington and completed her high school education at Henderson Institute in Henderson, North Carolina.
Emily then completed her BA Degree at Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina and her Master's in Education Degree from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.
She also pursued additional studies at James Madison University, The University of Toledo, Radford University, and Virginia State University.
Emily's teaching career spanned 35 years. She was a guidance counselor at Lexington High School and also taught behind the wheel driving.
Earlier in her career, Emily taught Head Start, grades 4 to 7, and high school health and physical education at Lylburn Downing.
Emily was greatly admired and respected as a coach of the girls' basketball and Flying Wheels tumbling teams at Lylburn Downing. Always interested in growing professionally, Emily became certified by the Division of Motor Vehicles of Virginia to instruct motorcycle safety and defensive driving techniques to traffic violators.
Emily was a devoted member of the Randolph Street United Methodist Church. She served as treasurer of the usher board; secretary of the finance committee; member of the Pastor's Parish Board; and director of the Food Basket program.
Emily was always interested in projects and activities that would enhance the quality of life in the community. She was a member of the Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council and troop leader for 20 years. Emily volunteered and coordinated the junior volunteers of Stonewall Jackson Hospital Auxiliary and volunteered at the Maury River Senior Center.
Emily was sought out by many organizations for her leadership, hard work and skills to serve on their boards. They included: Washington & Lee Board of Minority Students; the Rockbridge County Blood Mobile as Canteen Chairman; YMCA Board member; President of the Lylburn Downing Alumni Association for eight years; Board of Directors for Lime Kiln Arts; Rockbridge Regional Library Board; Mental Health Advisory Board; and the United Way.
Emily enjoyed membership in many professional and social organizations: Delta Sigma Theta; The Links, Inc.; Delta Kappa Gamma Honorary Society; the Business and Professional Women's Club; and the P.A.N.G. Club.
Emily and her husband, Ernest, had been sweethearts since elementary school. They married in the winter of 1948. She and Ernest enjoyed traveling, fishing, motorcycle riding and spending time with her beloved family. After Ernest's death in 1987, Emily traveled with family and friends on cruises and tours abroad and in 48 states.
Preceding her in death were her father and mother, Brown and Laura Borgus; husband, Ernest Adamson; brother, Brown Borgus Jr.; cousin, Wendell Baker.
Left to mourn her passing and cherish her memory are brother, Napoleon Borgus; sister, Laura Palmer (Warren); nieces, Diane Green (Saul); Paula Clark (Arthur); nephew, Don Palmer (Beth); great-nieces, Leigha Ford and Lindsay Clark; and great-nephew, Tarik Green (Crystal); and great- great-nieces, Kylie and Carsyn Ford, and Maya Green, great- great-nephew, Cameron Ford.
A memorial service will be conducted noon Thursday, March 27, 2014 at the Randolph Street United Methodist Church with the Rev. Louis Cadell officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable donations be made to: Talking Books Center, Staunton Public Library, 1 Churchville Avenue, Staunton, VA 24401, Rockbridge Area Hospice, 315 Myers Street, Lexington, VA 24450 or to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington.
