Edna Mae Gay

Edna Mae grew up in Clio, South Carolina and was known for her bubbly personality and strong character. She attended Marlboro County middle and high-school and later she pursued a career in the health care field. What stood out most about her was her beauty, high-spirted personality, cooking, style of dress, fast talking, infectious laughter, and charm. She had a wonderful way of making everyone around her feel loved and protected. To her family members, friends, and colleagues, Edna Mae played an instrumental role in raising, teaching, guiding, and loving those around her.
She left South Carolina in 1961 and migrated to North Carolina where she met her husband, Ernest Gay (Deceased) of Bennettsville, South Carolina. They married in 1964, and they relocated to New York City in1966. After the couple moved to New York City in search of better work opportunities, Ernest found work as a construction foreman and Edna Mae found work at a local factory, "Standard Linnen Services" in Brooklyn making garments and textiles. Later in her career, she pursued a position in the health care field working as a nurse and home-health aid assisting elderly and disabled adults and children. Ernest and Edna Mae were married for thirty years before his untimely passing on June 24 th,1993 at the age of fifty-four.
Outside of work, Edna Mae was known for her generosity, cooking, sense of humor, and fiery personality. Edna Mae kept busy in her golden years by pursing her interests and hobbies to include spending time with family, traveling, the beach, and living the high-roller lifestyle at casinos throughout the East Coast. Edna Mae also loved attending and fellowshipping at her church, "Little Mt. Zion Baptist Church." Edna Mae's impact on those around her was profound. She taught us life lessons and showed us the importance of values, especially family values.
Edna Mae was a beacon of love, kindness, and strength leaving an enduring legacy in the hearts of all who knew her and crossed her path. She leaves behind a host of family members and friends. A beloved wife, she was also the devoted mother of Johnnie, Charles(Deceased), Peggy, Albert, Ernest Jr. (Deceased), Ernestine, LillieMae, Otis(Deceased), Elroy, Samuel (Deceased), Andray, and Mickey. Edna Mae is survived by her brother, James Stanton, two sisters, Louise McDuffie and Vet Mae Woods and sisters-in-laws; Dorothy Lynch, Doretha Hooker, Bobby Hayes, Geraldine White, Tina Davidson, and Cynthia Little. Most notably, she was a loving and caring grandmother to her twenty-two grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. As we say good-bye to Edna Mae, let's remember her for her key qualities and actions.
Her legacy will live on through her family and friends. Edna Mae, you will be missed but never forgotten. Your love, your laughter, your smile, and your spirit will forever be a part of us. Rest in peace.