Jean Carol Adams Southard

Jean Carol Adams Southard, 89, passed away peacefully at Yadkin Nursing Facility on April 23, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Jean Carol was born November 19, 1936, to the late Eugene Charles (E.C.) Adams and Ina Swift Adams of Yadkinville. She trusted in her Lord and Savior and attended First Baptist Church of Yadkinville and later moved her membership to Maplewood Baptist Church in Yadkinville while her health allowed. 

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, John Edward “JE” Southard; sister Scottie Sue (BH) Dinkins; brother-in-law Sonny (Joyce) Southard; and sister-in-law Verlene (Ralph) Jones. She is survived by her brother Kenneth (Toni) Adams of Carlsbad, CA; children Johnny (Sue) Southard of Yadkinville and Byron (Becky) Southard of Lewisville; grandchildren Kellie (Brad) Myers, Travis Southard, Jacob Southard, Jordan Southard; great-grandchildren John Russell Southard, Ryker Glen Southard, Emma Ann Myers, and Parker Reuben Myers; along with one niece, several nephews and cousins. 

After receiving her teaching certificate from Appalachian State Teachers College, she spent her career teaching for the Yadkin County School System, where she found her gift for teaching special-needs children. She finished the last several years as a substitute teacher at Yadkinville Elementary School. Her favorite thing was spending time with her grandchildren and the many beach trips with JE while her health allowed.

 A memorial graveside service will be held in honor of both JE and Jean Carol on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Center Memorial Cemetery, 1400 Center Road, Yadkinville, NC 27055, by Rev. Jimmy Lancaster and Steve Wagoner. 

The family wishes to thank her long-term caregivers who provided great care over the last several years: Elaine Styers, Ruth Ashley, Carmen Horn, Cindi Bullins, Sandra Windsor, Barbara Parker, Kathy Reece, and Annette Brooks, along with the staff of Yadkin Nursing Center, Mountain Valley Hospice, and Liberty Hospice. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maplewood Baptist Church. Gentry Family Funeral Service of Yadkinville is serving the Southard family.