After professing faith in Jesus as a youth and being baptized in a farm pond she actively lived out her faith in local churches. They included her home church, Crossroads, Mantee, MS; and Baptist churches in Starkville, MS; Lawton, OK; Raleigh, NC; and Seaford, DE. She enthusiastically participated in music ministries and played hymns on her piano until she was well into dementia.
In addition to her husband and children she provided a home for her father for eleven years after the death of her mother. She treasured her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was a prayer warrior.
She was a graduate of Cumberland High School and Mississippi State University and cheered for both. She was a past member of the Kiwanis Club of Starkville in which she was recognized as Kiwanian of the Year and served as president.
As with many others of her era she lived in a house without indoor plumbing until she graduated from high school. She was known for coordinated outfits and accessories and a feisty temperament.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, James David May, daughter, Susan Neal, and sons, John (Robbie) May and Mark (Sharon) May; grandchildren, Mac May, Krystye (Brandon) Golden, Jessica (Larry Lee) Marquis, Joseph May, Rachel (Joe) Roberts, and Caleb May; and great grandchildren, Tristan May, Morgan May and Ainslee Marquis; sisters-in-law, JoAnn Womack, Marie Womack, and Gerri Denton and brother-in-law, Fred (Brenda) May.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Rex, John Earl, and Roland Womack, and sister-in-law, Carolyn Womack.
A celebration of her life will be at First Baptist Church Sunday, June 23, 2024, at 3 pm with Rev. Clifton Curtis and Dr. Tom Jenkins officiating. The family will receive friends at the church for one hour preceding the service. Interment will be at Crossroads Cemetery near Mantee, MS at 5 pm.
Serving as pall bearers are Joseph May, Caleb May, Joe Roberts, Brandon Golden, Larry Lee Marquis, and Ricky Reves. The honorary pall bearer is Glen Sisk.
The family owes a debt of gratitude to Martha Stovall for two years of devoted and loving care. Appreciation is extended to Helen Gandy and other caregivers from ComForCare, to Legacy Hospice, and to Dr. Ava Stegall.
Memorials may be given to the music ministry of First Baptist Church or a favorite charity
