MRS. BESSIE REE MERRITT MAY

 

      Mrs. Bessie Ree Merritt May was born in Webster County, Georgia on July 11, 1925 to the parentage of the late Mr. Jim Merritt and the late Mrs. Stella B. Nelms Merritt. She was the youngest of eight children whom are all deceased, including a devoted brother, Mr. Hope Merritt, Sr. She received her education in the public schools of Webster County. She was married to the late Mr. Ernest May and to this union four children were born.

      At an early age, she joined Mt. Zion Webster Baptist Church in Preston, Georgia and was a faithful member there until she and her family moved to Americus, Georgia. She then joined the Union Tabernacle Baptist Church in 1947, which at the time was known as Peace Baptist Church. There, she continued her work for the Lord under the leadership of Pastor C.J. Gore. She served in the Ushers’ Ministry until a choir was organized in 1956 under the leadership of Pastor W.M. Davis. She sang in the choir for more than forty-five years until her health failed. Now, she is singing and praising the Lord in heaven.

      She owned and operated Merritt and Mays Grocery Store for over forty years. In 1988, in honor of her dedication to the community, a subdivision was developed behind her home and named Bessie Mays Circle.

      When asked how she was doing, her favorite phrase was “Just Right.” She taught her children to love the Lord with all their hearts, to always take the Lord with them everywhere, and to respect other people. She always looked for the good in people and she never participated in gossip. If you wanted to talk about someone she would say, “You better find someone else to talk to.” She raised three generations of children and instilled the same values in all of them.

      She leaves to cherish her lasting memories, three daughters: Mrs. Glover D. (James) Bell, Americus, GA; Mrs. Lorine M. (Vern) Maltbia, Conway, AR; and Mrs. Evilene (Maurice) Johnson, Chicago, IL; one son, Mr. Carlton G. (Patricia) Maye, Sr., Americus, GA; 12 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive.

 

CondolenceMessage@barnumfuneralhome.com

 

The following flowers have been sent with deepest sympathy

(click photo below)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Timeless Tribute for Mrs. May is now available.