Who Is Cleive Ester Adams? Father of Sonya Curry, Grandfather of Champions

When people hear the name Curry, they often think of NBA superstar Stephen Curry or his younger brother Seth Curry. These two are basketball legends who’ve made a big name for themselves on the court. But behind their success is a strong, quiet family that helped shape their lives.

One of the most important people in their family is Cleive Ester Adams — their grandfather. He is also the father of Sonya Curry, who raised her children with love, faith, and discipline. Cleive may not be in the spotlight, but his influence runs deep through the Curry family story.

In this article, we’ll explore who Cleive Ester Adams really is — his early life, family, values, and the powerful role he played in building a legacy of champions.

Cleive Ester Adams Quick Bio

Who Is Cleive Ester Adams?

Cleive Ester Adams is known as the father of Sonya Curry and the grandfather of NBA stars Stephen and Seth Curry. He is also the proud grandfather of Sydel Curry, a former volleyball player.

Even though he is part of a very famous sports family, Cleive likes to stay private. He doesn’t give interviews, he isn’t on social media, and he doesn’t attend big public events. But still, many people are curious to know more about him.

Why? Because behind every great athlete, there is often a strong and loving family. And Cleive is one of those strong family members who helped shape the lives of his daughter and grandchildren.

Cleive Ester Adams Early Life and Background

Cleive Ester Adams was born in the United States, and most sources say he grew up in West Virginia. He is African-American and part of a proud, hardworking family. His exact birth date wasn’t always known, but many now believe he was born on February 2, 1949, which makes him 76 years old in 2025.

Cleive’s parents were Cleive E. Adams Sr. and Bertha B. Adams. Sadly, not much else is known about his early life because he has always kept those details very private. He didn’t grow up with wealth. In fact, his family faced a lot of struggles — especially financial ones — while raising their children.

But Cleive’s story is not about fame. It’s about hard work, faith, and quiet strength, passed down through generations.

His Education and Time at Virginia Tech

Cleive attended Virginia Tech, where he was a talented athlete. He wasn’t just a student — he played football and ran track and field. He studied physical education, showing early on that he loved both sports and teaching.

At Virginia Tech, he was known for being a strong and fast player. He could play many positions in football — like quarterback, running back, and defensive back. On the track team, he was quick and even set records in the 100-meter and 200-meter dash.

This time in college helped shape who he was. It also may have been where he met his future wife. Cleive learned how to lead, how to compete, and how to keep going — lessons he later passed down to his children and grandchildren.

Cleive Ester Adams and His Wife Candy

Cleive is married to Candy Adams, whose birth name is Candy Wyms. Candy was born and raised in Haiti, giving the family a rich and beautiful blend of cultures — African-American and Haitian.

The couple likely met while studying at Virginia Tech. Both of them were young, driven, and focused on education and sports. Over time, they built a life together, based on love, faith, and family values.

There have been rumors that Cleive and Candy may have separated, especially after Sonya once shared that she was mostly raised by her mother. However, there has never been an official statement or confirmation. What’s clear is that Cleive and Candy worked hard to raise their children, even during difficult times.

Cleive Ester Adams Children and Family

Cleive and Candy Adams have three children:

• Sonya Alicia Curry – their eldest daughter and the most well-known. She became a college volleyball player, an educator, and the mother of NBA stars.

• Cleive Adams Jr. – their only son. He followed in his dad’s footsteps and became a football coach. He is now the head coach and athletic director at Averett University.

• India Adams – their youngest child, who chooses to live a quiet life away from the spotlight. Even though she’s not famous, she is said to be successful in her career.

The family is very close. Sonya often talks about how her parents’ strength and discipline helped shape who she is today. And the values that Cleive taught — like respect, hard work, and faith — are clearly seen in all his children.

The Grandfather of Champions

Cleive Ester Adams is the proud grandfather of three amazing grandchildren:

• Stephen Curry, the world-famous NBA player for the Golden State Warriors. He’s known for changing the way basketball is played with his incredible three-point shots.

• Seth Curry, also an NBA player, who has played for teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and Dallas Mavericks. He is a strong shooter and a solid player in his own right.

• Sydel Curry, a former college volleyball player who played for Elon University. She’s also known for her work in mental health and on social media.

These three grandchildren are proof of the strong roots Cleive planted. While he doesn’t speak to the press or attend every game, his love and support have helped carry his family forward. You can see it in their discipline, faith, and strong family bonds.

Cleive Ester Adams Career and Work Life

Many people know Cleive Ester Adams as the father of Sonya Curry and the grandfather of NBA champions. But before all that, Cleive had a career of his own. He was a former football player and also worked as a football coach.

After finishing college at Virginia Tech, where he played football and ran track, Cleive went on to coach football at Averett University. He led the team for several years and was also the Director of Athletics. This means he helped manage and grow the school’s sports programs. In 1986, he was even named Coach of the Year in his conference. His love for sports and leadership clearly had a big effect on his children and grandchildren.

Even though he later stepped away from public coaching, his time in sports shaped his life — and gave him the tools to raise a strong and motivated family.

Struggles in the Early Days

Before his family became successful and well-known, Cleive Ester Adams faced many tough times. In the 1970s, he and his wife struggled financially. Sonya Curry has shared stories about how her parents worked hard just to provide the basics — food, shelter, and school.

There were times when they didn’t have much money, but Cleive never gave up. He kept working hard, doing what he could to support his wife and kids. These challenges made the family stronger. They learned how to be thankful, how to work together, and how to keep going no matter what.

Looking at the Curry family today, it’s easy to forget how hard their beginnings were. But Cleive’s strength during those years built a solid base that helped his family grow and succeed.

Faith, Discipline, and Strong Family Values

One of the most powerful parts of Cleive Ester Adams’s story is his faith in God and the values he taught his family. He raised his kids with discipline, respect, and a strong belief in doing what’s right.

His daughter Sonya Curry often talks about how strict but loving her father was. For example, when Stephen Curry was a child, Sonya once made him miss a basketball game because he didn’t do his chores. That strong sense of discipline came from Cleive. He believed in raising children with responsibility and structure.

Faith was also a big part of his life. He passed on his belief in God to his children and grandchildren. Stephen Curry, for example, always talks about his faith and even calls himself a “believer” on social media. That mindset started with Cleive and spread through the whole family.

Cleive Ester Adams Net Worth and Current Life

So where is Cleive today? What does his life look like in 2025?

Cleive Ester Adams now lives a quiet and peaceful life. While his children and grandchildren are often in the spotlight, Cleive prefers to stay private. He doesn’t appear in many interviews or public events, and he’s not active on social media. But he is still very involved in his family’s life.

As for his net worth, most sources estimate it to be between $500,000 and $1 million. He earned this from his time in coaching, some investments, and possibly some family support over the years. He doesn’t live a flashy life. Instead, he stays humble, grounded, and happy to see his family succeed.

Why Cleive Ester Adams Stays Out of the Spotlight

You may wonder — why hasn’t the world heard more about him?

Well, Cleive simply doesn’t like the spotlight. He’s the kind of man who believes in doing the right thing quietly. While his grandsons are playing in front of millions, Cleive prefers watching from home or staying behind the scenes. He’s proud, but he doesn’t need attention.

This kind of quiet strength is what makes him so special. Not every great leader needs to be loud. Some guide their families with silence, faith, and steady support — just like Cleive.

The Legacy of Cleive Ester Adams

In the end, Cleive Ester Adams is more than just a father or grandfather. He is the foundation of a family that has inspired millions. Thanks to his lessons, his faith, and his example, his children and grandchildren have grown into strong, kind, and successful people.

From tough days in the 1970s to raising a global basketball dynasty, Cleive’s legacy is clear. He built a family rooted in love, hard work, and faith — and that legacy will live on for generations.

He may not be in the spotlight, but the light of his influence shines every time Stephen Curry hits a game-winning shot, or Sonya Curry stands proud as a mother, or Seth Curry leads his team with focus.

Cleive’s story shows us that even the quietest people can leave the loudest legacy.

Final Thoughts

So, who is Cleive Ester Adams?

He is a father, a grandfather, a coach, and a man of faith. He worked hard, struggled through tough times, and raised a family that has touched millions of lives. His story reminds us that success doesn’t always start with fame — sometimes it starts with a strong heart, simple values, and quiet love.

In the Curry family, Cleive will always be remembered as the root that helped grow champions.