Cleive Ester Adams is a figure of significant influence within the Curry family, most notably as the father of Sonya Curry and grandfather to NBA stars Stephen Curry and Seth Curry. While the Curry family enjoys public acclaim, Cleive Ester Adams, despite his private life, played a pivotal role in shaping the values and strength that have helped his descendants reach great heights in their respective fields. This article explores the life, heritage, and family legacy of Cleive Ester Adams.
Early Life and Background of Cleive Ester Adams
Cleive Ester Adams was born on July 28, 1926, in West Virginia, United States. He was the son of Johnnie Lee Adams and Mattie Annie Taylor, who were both 29 and 28 years old at the time of his birth. Cleive grew up in a rural and tight-knit community, which likely influenced his own strong family values and work ethic that he would later pass down to his children and grandchildren.
His family background reveals a blend of different European ancestries. Cleive’s family is of English, Dutch, and German descent, particularly from northwestern Germany. These ethnic roots shaped the family’s cultural identity, providing a foundation of resilience and tradition.
Marriage to Bertha Blanche Arrington
On June 10, 1947, Cleive Ester Adams married Bertha Blanche Arrington in Raleigh, West Virginia, at a time when family unity and commitment were highly valued in American society. Together, they raised a family of two daughters, including Sonya Curry and India Adams, as well as a son named Cleive Adams. Cleive and Bertha’s union symbolized a partnership built on trust and shared goals, something that would serve as a model for their children’s future relationships.
The couple lived in Slab Fork District, Raleigh, West Virginia for about ten years. They later moved to Winding Gulf, Raleigh, West Virginia, in 1950, where Cleive continued to work and support his family. Despite their modest beginnings, Cleive Ester Adams hard work and dedication ensured his children had the opportunity to thrive.
The Adams Family and Their Jamaican Connections
While Cleive Ester Adams’ ethnicity is primarily of English, Dutch, and German descent, his family ties also extend to African-American and possibly Jamaican heritage through his wife Bertha. This diverse cultural heritage enriched the family environment, exposing his children to various traditions, including a strong focus on education, discipline, and perseverance—values that Cleive Ester Adams took seriously in raising his children.
A Life of Privacy and Dedication to Family
Although Cleive Ester Adams chose to lead a relatively private life, his legacy is most notably reflected in the lives of his children and grandchildren. He passed away on January 21, 1984, at the age of 57, in Rocky Mount, Franklin County, Virginia. His early passing left a void, but his influence remained through the values and lessons he imparted.
Cleive Ester Adams’ family continued to honor his memory by carrying forward the principles he instilled in them. His children—Sonya Curry, India Adams, and Cleive Adams II—would go on to raise their own families with the same strength of character that Cleive Ester Adams exhibited.
The Impact of Cleive Ester Adams on His Daughter, Sonya Curry
Cleive Ester Adams is best known as the father of Sonya Curry (born Sonya Alicia Adams). Sonya Curry, an American educator, raised Stephen Curry and Seth Curry, both accomplished professional basketball players. The values Sonya learned from her father shaped her success as an educator and mother of two NBA stars.
Raised with a strong emphasis on education and faith, Sonya grew up to be a dedicated student, attending Radford University, where she met her future husband, Dell Curry, a former NBA player. Sonya would later become an accomplished educator and school founder, continuing the legacy of discipline and hard work that her father, Cleive, instilled in her.
Cleive’s influence on Sonya went beyond just education; he also modeled what it meant to be a strong parent. Sonya, in turn, passed these values down to her children—Stephen, Seth, and Sydel Curry—who have all achieved success in their fields.
Grandchildren: Stephen Curry, Seth Curry, and Sydel Curry
Cleive Ester Adams’ legacy is carried on through his grandchildren, most famously Stephen Curry and Seth Curry, both of whom have made significant impacts in the world of professional basketball.
Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry, born on March 14, 1988, is regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, revolutionizing the game with his unparalleled shooting ability. As the face of the Golden State Warriors, Stephen has led his team to multiple NBA championships and earned several MVP titles. Stephen has often spoken about the importance of family in his life, crediting his mother, Sonya, and indirectly his grandfather, Cleive Ester Adams, for instilling the values that helped shape his work ethic and character.
Stephen’s strong sense of family can also be seen in his relationship with his own children. He and his wife, Ayesha Curry, are the proud parents of Riley Elizabeth Curry (born July 19, 2012), Ryan Carson Curry (born July 10, 2015), and Canon W. Jack Curry (born July 2, 2018). Stephen and Ayesha’s desire to honor family traditions influenced their choice of the name Canon, showcasing the lasting impact of Cleive’s values.
Seth Curry
Seth Curry, born on August 23, 1990, followed closely in his older brother’s footsteps to become a professional basketball player. While Seth’s career has not reached the same heights as Stephen’s, he has proven himself to be a formidable talent, playing for several NBA teams, including the Dallas Mavericks and Philadelphia 76ers. Seth has also emphasized the importance of family, often expressing gratitude for the upbringing he received from his parents and the influence of his grandparents.
Sydel Curry
Sydel Curry, born on October 20, 1994, is the youngest of Sonya Curry’s children and has pursued a different path, excelling in volleyball during her college years at Elon University. Sydel’s success, both on and off the court, continues to highlight the impact of strong family values passed down from her grandfather, Cleive Ester Adams.
Cleive Ester Adams’ Legacy in the Adams and Curry Families
Cleive Ester Adams life is a testament to the importance of family, hard work, and dedication. Although he lived a relatively private life, his strong character reflects in the success and achievements of his children and grandchildren. His daughter, Sonya, became an American educator and raised three highly accomplished children, each of whom has made their mark in the world.
Cleive’s family has continued to honor his memory by embracing the values he instilled in them: perseverance, discipline, and love for family. His legacy is not just the Curry family’s success on the basketball court, but also the close-knit bond that his descendants share.
Conclusion: A Lasting Influence
Although Cleive Ester Adams passed away in 1984, his influence endures through his children and grandchildren. He passed down his values of family, hard work, and cultural pride through generations, contributing to the remarkable accomplishments of the Curry and Adams families. Stephen Curry, Seth Curry, and Sonya Curry are living examples of how Cleive Ester Adams teachings and values have endured, proving that the impact of a strong family foundation can resonate across generations.
Cleive Ester Adams story reminds us that even those who live private lives can have profound and lasting influences on their families and communities. His legacy will continue to thrive in the generations to come, thanks to the strong foundation he laid for his family. Read more FameHero.