Adarine Elizabeth Buchanan Kurtz, daughter of the late Myrtle and Wilson Buchanan was born on July 2, 1924 in Harnett County, North Carolina. She departed this life on August 18, 2007 at Wake Medical Center, Raleigh, North Carolina.
Adarine was the youngest of three children: Celia (who died as an infant), and her lifelong companion and sister, Hazel. As very young children, Adarine and Hazel's family was broken due to the death of both their parents. They were adopted by their grandmother, Mrs. Almina Brooks, and brought to Raleigh, North Carolina. Adarine attended Washington High School, where she excelled and graduated. Later, she attended Wake Technical Institute's School of Nursing and graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse, working and retiring from Wake Medical Center in Raleigh.
Adarine became the bride of Clifford T. Kurtz on January 18, 1953. To this union, two daughters were born, Shirlita and Felecia. Adarine cherished her family, loved her church, and avidly appreciated good music.
Adarine became a member of Manly Street Christian Church at age seven and she remained a faithful servant throughout her life.
Adarine's extensive Christian journey included years of faithful service to the church as its Historian and as a Sunday School teacher, along with memberships in these organizations: Young Women's League, L.H. Minter Choir, Susie A. Smith Club, Helen Turner Club, Willing Workers' Club, Women's Choir, Music Committee, Aging Graysfully, and the Trustee Board. A born leader, she founded the Minor Melody Choir, the New Spirit Choir Boosters, and the First Aid Ministry (with other healthcare professionals). Her community affiliations included terms as president of the Lucille Hunter Elementary School PTA, membership in the Household of Ruth, and the YWCA Golden Oaks.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Clifford T. Kurtz of the home; two daughters, Shirlita Kurtz McFarland (Timothy), and Felecia Kurtz Gillis of Raleigh, N.C.; sister, Hazel Buchanan of Raleigh, N.C.; four grandchildren, Timothy Kurtz McFarland, Adrianne Michelle Gillis, Briana Lynette McFarland, and Bethany Joy Gillis, all of Raleigh; a special niece, Virginia K. Brown of Raleigh; one brother-in-law; two sisters-in-law and many other relatives, friends, and neighbors who are too numerous to name.