Last updated on: November 21, 2025
Cleive Ester Adams is an integral part of the Curry family history. He is the maternal grandfather of Stephen Curry, considered one of the best players in the world. Even though Cleive lived a quiet and private life, his history and values helped shape the Curry family in many strong ways. His story brings together African-American roots, Haitian heritage, and a deep sense of resilience.
Quick Facts About Cleive Ester Adams
| Full Name | Cleive Ester Adams |
| Birthdate | N/A |
| Occupation | N/A |
| Husband/Wife | Candy Ann Wyms (Candy Adams), born in Haiti |
| Education | N/A |
| Age | N/A |
| Parents | Cleive Ester Adams Sr. and Bertha Blanche Arrington |
| Siblings | Stephen Curry, Sydel Curry, Seth Curry |
| Children | Sonya Adams (Curry), India Adams, Cleive Adams |
| Net Worth | <$1 million |
Early life and family background
Cleive Ester Adams was born in Virginia. He had been brought up in an Afro-American family during a time when life in the South for many Black families was not easy. His parents were Cleive Ester Adams, Sr. and Bertha Blanche Arrington. They brought him up with strict discipline, hard work, and respect for family traditions.
Life wasn’t easy in Virginia. Racism was rampant, and many families, much like the Adams family, had to stay steadfast. These experiences instilled certain values in Cleive. And that generation affected the generations that followed thereafter, one being Stephen Curry’s mom, Sonya Curry.
A Blend of Cultures: Marriage to Candy Adams
Cleive married Candy Ann Wyms, born in Haiti in the 1940s. She gave the Curry family Haitian roots through herself. Their background was rich and diverse because of this. After marriage, she was called Candy Adams.
Cleive and Candy together built a loving home, where different cultures came into one family. The children grew up with the strength of African-American traditions and pride in Haitian heritage.
Fatherhood and the Role in Raising a Strong Family
Cleive and Candy had children; among these are Sonya Adams, who would later be known as Sonya Curry, and India Adams. They brought up their children with values quite clear. They taught them hard work, humility, and treating others with kindness.
Sonya often spoke of her parents with pride. She shared times of racism she experienced while growing up in Virginia. It was those moments that taught her to be bold and confident. She later instilled this into her children.
Grandfather of a Sports Dynasty
Through Sonya, Cleive became the grandfather of three well-known children:
Stephen Curry, NBA star
Seth Curry, NBA sharpshooter
Sydel Curry, former athlete and influencer
Even though Cleive lived outside the limelight, his influence still extended to the grandkids. The siblings grew up listening to lots of stories about the family. They learned lessons on strength, faith, and staying humble; big themes for their lives and careers.
Stephen Curry has often spoken of faith, family, and discipline. Of course, those qualities did not just pop out of nowhere. They came from the strong pillars in the Adams family, starting with Cleive and Candy.
Heritage, Challenges, and Strength
The Adams family brings together a mix of African-American and Haitian heritage, adding uniqueness and meaning to their background. Their history is additionally made up of many trials. They had been discriminated against and faced numerous social barriers. Still, they found ways to rise above those moments.
This spirit of resilience became part of the Curry family identity. It shaped Sonya. It shaped Stephen. And it continues to inspire many people who learn about their story.
READ ALSO: Stephen Curry Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More
Legacy of Cleive Ester Adams
Today, Cleive Ester Adams is remembered as a guiding force in the Curry family. He was not famous. He was not a public figure. But his life and his history matter. His values helped build a family known for excellence, respect, and strength. His legacy will continue through his children, grandchildren, and generations to come. The Curry family success is not limited to the sport alone but carries a great degree of family roots, cultural pride, and lessons derived from people like Cleive Ester Adams.
