Frances Patricia Pressley May

Frances Pressley May

Greenville

Frances Patricia Pressley May, 77, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, June 12, 2014 at her home.

Born in Ocala, Florida, to Captain Thomas Ira Pressley of Chester, SC, and Frances Odean Abernathy of Spartanburg, SC. She considered it an honor to move around the country learning about different people and places. Her family returned to the family farm in Lowrys in 1945, where she attended a two-room schoolhouse. In 1954 they moved to Rock Hill, SC, where she entered Winthrop College at the age of 16, graduating in three years, beginning a teaching career that spanned almost 40 years.

She was a beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, and Friend to many. She was a long-time, active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Greenville, where she was instrumental in forming the Intercessory Prayer, Pastoral Visitation and Stephen's Ministries Programs. She was a teacher for over 35 years, with BS and Master's Degrees in Education from Winthrop University. She also received a specialist degree from Furman University and went on to teach Resource at Mitchell Road Elementary for 15 years. She was honored as the Mitchell Road Teacher of the Year 1988 and was a finalist for Greenville County Teacher of the Year. She was Chairperson of the Resource Committee, an active member of the Alpha Delta Kappa Teachers Honorary Society, as well as on the Governor's Conference for Education and active member of Palmetto Teachers Association. Over the years she was offered numerous positions in administration but always chose to stay in the classroom, where she felt she could make the most difference in a child's life.

On June 7, 1959, Pat married the love of her life, Ralph Calhoun May, Jr. "Buddy". They recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.

In addition to her beloved husband, Buddy, Pat is also survived by two very dear sisters, Cornelia Harris of Charlotte, NC, and Susan Maier and her husband, Mark of Winston Salem, NC; her three children, the Reverend Ralph Calhoun May, III and his wife, Angela Crosby May of Greer, Amanda Frances May Merchant M.D. and her husband, Vernon E. Merchant M.D. of Greenville, and Michael Thomas May and his wife, Pamela Berry May of Greenville; along with her seven grandchildren, Josh and Meghan May, Matthew May, Kip May, Pressley Merchant, Miller Merchant, Christina Merchant and Ivey May; and her sister's in-law, Josie Comer May of Charleston, and Marian May Pressley of Rock Hill. She will also be missed by numerous nephews, nieces and many cousins.

A service to celebrate her life will be held at 3:00 pm, Monday, June 16th at First Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:30 pm until 2:45 pm in the parlor of the church.

Memorials may be made to Congregational Care Ministries at First Presbyterian Church, Greenville, or to the Greenville County Cancer Society.

Her family is thankful for all the care and support she received from friends, neighbors and caregivers.

The Mackey Mortuary.