Helen Ruth May

Helen Ruth Peterson May, lovingly known as "Mamaw," was born on April 20, 1939, in Plantersville, Texas, to Richard Peterson, Sr. and Enda Brooks. The sixth of their children, Helen spent her childhood in Grimes County, where she received her education and was shaped by the strong family values that guided her throughout her life. At just 18 years old, on September 15, 1957, Helen married James B. May, Sr., and to this union five children were born. In the spring of 1966, she met George Faultry, and together they welcomed two children. Helen eventually settled in Alvin, Texas, where she lived a purposeful, faith-filled life grounded in service to God and love for others.

Helen lived her life to serve God wholeheartedly, nurturing her family while spreading the Gospel with passion and joy. She especially delighted in sharing the Word of God; you could not be in her presence without being invited to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior or being reminded of how blessed you are because of Christ's love. She prayed daily for her children, grandchildren, extended family, church family, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers-Helen loved everybody. Her favorite pastimes included shopping, crocheting, reading, and quilting.

Helen accepted Christ as a child and became a devoted member of Living Stone Church in Alvin, Texas, in 1979 under the leadership of Pastor Al Jandal and Pastor Judy Jandal, followed by Pastor Stephanie Pitkin and Pastor James Pitkin. For more than 49 years, she served faithfully in many roles: prayer warrior, altar worker, children's minister, hospitality greeter, and a joyful volunteer with the Christmas Train each year. Helen also worked for the City of Alvin and retired in 2005, after which she dedicated her time to being a loving matriarch and sharing God's love wherever she went.

Helen departed this life on November 26, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Peterson Sr. and Edna Brooks Peterson; her husband, James B. May Sr.; daughters, Michelle Marie May Jackson, Deborah Kaye May Sims and Sharon Faultry; her sisters Elizabeth Turner, Bernice Peterson, and Voralee Baldobino; and her brothers Richard Peterson Jr. and Robert Peterson Sr.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving children: Vanessa May Simon (Lonzell), James May Jr. (Phyllis), Isaiah May Sr. (Erica), Edna Prudhomme, and Etta Faultry; along with thirty-five grandchildren, eighty-two great-grandchildren, and eleven great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Otha Peterson; Seven God-children-Clarence Peterson, Doris Fleming, Kathy Wiggins, Sherly Johnson, Kenny Peterson, Ruthie McDowell and Vickie Gamble-and one bonus child, Georgia Gain.

Helen's life was a testament to unwavering faith, unconditional love, and tireless service. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the prayers she prayed, and the family she so deeply cherished.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM at Living Stones Church in Alvin, Texas Saturday, December 6, 2025 with funeral services beginning at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Paradise South Cemetery in Pearland, Texas.