Bobra Bright McAdams
Bobra Collins Bright McAdams, 81, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2020 in Houston, TX. She was born in Wilmington, NC to Samuel Lee Collins and Laura Mae Manual Collins. Bobra is survived by her son, George Lattimore Bright (Sharon); daughter, Gina Bright Dorsey (Darrell); grandchildren, George Lattimore Bright II (Melissa), Tara McKenzie Bright, James Douglass Kirk, and Rachel Marie Dorsey; great granddaughter, Penelope May Bright; and numerous family members and friends. Preceding her in death are her parents; first husband of 33 years, James Lannier Bright; and her second husband of seven years, Robert Emery McAdams.
Bobra graduated from Willison Senior High School in Wilmington, NC, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Allen University, SC; Master of Education from Lehigh University, PA; and was a candidate for Ph.D. at the University of South Carolina. While attending Allen University, Bobra joined the university choir and met James Bright. After college, they married and started a family. Bobra and James were partners in music programs, and they performed together for numerous community, church, or school programs and events. She married Robert later in life and they enjoyed traveling across the country together.
Bobra worked as a professional educator spanning a 42-year career, leaving her mark in all facets of school systems and colleges. She taught and directed many English, Reading, and Language Arts programs where she inspired and encouraged students to thrive. Her employment included: Easton Area School District, PA; Morris College, SC; Miles College, AL; Berkeley County School District, SC; Orangeburg County School District #3, SC; and her last position was at Toney Elementary School in Dekalb County School District, GA. She was a Golden Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and was last active in Kappa Omega Chapter in Atlanta, GA.
Bobra was an active visionary who seized every opportunity to make a difference. She was often a founder, chairperson, or contributor for a host of community, sorority, church, or Allen University alumni programs associated with education, music, and the arts. Gifted with a beautiful soprano voice, she performed in church and community programs, locally to nationally, including two national productions of Porgy and Bess. She developed numerous music and arts programs for students and adults and achieved several awards and honors. She most recently founded the Hall Johnson Summer Music Camp for High School Students at Allen University, served on the Allen University Board of Trustees, and was a National President for the Allen University General Alumni Association. Later in life, she also directed music programs at her senior living communities in Houston, TX.
Bobra will be deeply missed by family and friends and will be remembered for her positive spirit and passion for developing music programs. She leaves fond memories of her beautiful angelic soprano voice, often singing her favorite song, “We Shall Behold Him”.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family encourages you to make a contribution in memory of Bobra Bright McAdams to her beloved Allen University. Contributions may be made by three methods: 1) Text “Memorial” to 803-710-7484; 2) Visit www.allenuniversity.edu/giving, select “Make A Contribution,” and select the fund for your contribution; and 3) Mail a check payable to Allen University, in memory of Bobra Bright McAdams, to Allen University, Division of Institutional Advancement, 1530 Harden Street, Columbia, SC 29204. For all contributions, please also contact Dr. Teesa Brunson at (803) 376-5724 or tbrunson@allenuniversity.edu so that she can notify the family of your contribution.
A private family memorial will be held at a later date.
May angels lead her to paradise! Bobra Bright McAdams was a masterful musician with a voice like an angel and always willing to share of her wealth of musical knowledge. She took into her home like another son when her late husband, James Bright taught me piano. Thanks to George and Gina for sharing her with me. She has gone on now to join with the musical saints in light where every minute is a minuet and every century is a Celebration. Thanks be to God for the Life and Witness of this dear lady whom I loved dearly…IT IS WELL!
My dear Mrs. Bobra! It was an honor and a joy getting to know you and working along side you to create and develop the Hall Johnson Summer Music Camp at Allen University! We shared a love and passion for music and young people and I will continue to honor your legacy! Love Professor Herbert “Jerry” Johnson
May angels lead her to paradise! Bobra Bright McAdams was a masterful musician with a voice like an angel and always willing to share of her wealth of musical knowledge. She took into her home like another son when her late husband, James Bright taught me piano. Thanks to George and Gina for sharing her with me. She has gone on now to join with the musical saints in light where every minute is a minuet and every century is a Celebration. Thanks be to God for the Life and Witness of this dear lady whom I loved dearly…IT IS WELL!
Our deepest condolences to the entire family. I personally enjoyed the times we talked and corresponded. She was always warm, inviting and loved people. It was great being in her company. I will cherish the letters we exchanged. May God comfort you during this time. I’m sure she’s celebrating and singing with joy at the reunion of family and friends.
My deepest sympathy to the Bright and Dorsey families. Don’t worry about Bobra now, because she is in Heaven now doing God’s work. He knows that she has melodious voice and He wants her to work with His angels. I can see her smiling because she was chosen. Bobra and I were childhood friends and we consider our selves sisters. We had a love for music and we started out at a early age. She was the singer and I was the pianist. That training paid off as we got older. I will miss my sister. RIP.
Doris, where are you living now? This is a fellow Willistonian, from the class of 59’
John Jayroe, l just got the sad,sad news about our fellow friend passing. She was
beautiful person inside and out. She’ll really be missed.
What a wonderful spirit God blessed us with. I’ll always remember your beautiful voice and proud example of a mother, grandmother, friend and woman you were to all of us. I will miss you dearly but I know you are with our Father in heaven and we will meet again some day.
Dr. Jacqueline McKenzie
Bobbi, Ella,Laura, Jerlyn. Strong Black Women who are my Foundation
Ileana and I share your feelings Tough Day but so much to be Thankful for. She’s not in pain now
Gina and Darryl, we want you to know we are praying for you and your family during this time of sorrow. Your mother’s life is so beautifully commemorated here and in the example you set each day. May God keep you close with His comforting presence today and in the days ahead. Your friends, Melvin & Mary Banks
Love you mom 🙏🏽
So thankful for the impact you left on our family, Grandma Bobra. We truly lost an indomitable spirit. Thank you for all that you were.
On behalf of the ECSU Local Viking Booster, we extend our deepest sympathy to the George Bright family for you great loss. We will be in prayer for you and your family.
About 38 years ago, God blessed me to be introduced to the Bright Family. Mrs Bright treated me as one of her own and the entire family. Although it has been years since we have physically seen each other, this family(Sister Bright) will always be my extended family and George will always be my other brother. I will continue to pray with and for you during and after this time. Love you!!!
Bobby
Wonderful vibrant talented woman! Will remember her and the gifts she shared.
Our most sincere sympathies and heartfelt prayers to the family.
Bobra’s memory is my keepsake with which I will never part. We sang together at Bethel UMC or wherever we happen to be. They called us “Kathleen Battle & Jessye Norman” as we sang different genres of music from classical to spirituals. Our voices blended so well. Bobra taught me a lot and helped to develop my “dramatic soprano” voice.
God has her in his keeping. We hear her in our mind and hearts. She is sadly missed
but never forgotten. Her friends forever.
Our most sincere sympathies and heartfelt prayers to the family.
Bobra’s memory is my keepsake with which I will never part. We sang together at Bethel UMC or wherever we happen to be. Our soprano voices blended so well, singing classical to spiritual genre.
God has her in his keeping. We hear her in our mind and hearts. She is sadly missed but never forgotten. Her friends forever.
Our most sincere sympathies and heartfelt prayers to the family.
Bobra’s memory is my keepsake with which I will never part. We sang together at Bethel UMC or wherever we happen to be. Our soprano voices blended so well singing classical to spiritual genre. God has her in his keeping. We hear her in our mind and hearts. She is sadly missed but never forgotten. Her friends forever.
To the Bright family,
May the grace of God and the comfort of the Holy Spirit be with you all as you say your farewells to your mother’s remains. Truly she lived a life that honored God, evidenced by the faith that you exemplify. The only hope we have on this earth is Christ in us, the only hope of glory. We love you and are praying for you.
Pastors Phillip and Kristina Davis
N shock hear n o Bobra’s demise, my heartfelt condolences 2 the family. M a Ellis, Atlanta chapter alum Psalm 23 🙏💐♥️
May the Creator welcome her and wrap her in his Light. May He bring all who Loved her Peace and Comfort, knowing her to be at rest with Him.
To the family of Bobra,
Her kindness and grace will always be cherished and remembered. Love you aunt Bobra, I will miss our long chats and especially the family update letters you wrote.
To the Bright Family… Bobra will be missed. The voice and her smiles. God be with your family. Former Allen University Choir Member.
Bobbi, your voice came from Heaven. When you sang at Benjamin’s funeral, the heavens opened up. I miss our lengthy telephone conversations talking about growing up in Wilmington with our grandparents, raising our children, chaperoning the Kazoo Blues Basketball Team to Australia, growing old, Jeri, your children, grandchildren, great granddaughter, in-laws, etc., that I can not go through a week without something reminding me of you. You are greatly missed by our family. Our love and condolences go out to our cousins. Love, Walter, Gloria, Toni, and Ann.