KayJean May

Celebrating the Colorful Life of KayJean May If you ever wandered into Knitters Korner in Clawson during the 10 years KayJean May ran the place, you didn't just find yarn-you found joy, laughter, and probably a good story or two. Better known as Kay, she was a remarkable, one-of-a-kind woman with a spark in her eye and a work ethic to match. Kay passed away peacefully at home on April 13, 2025, at the age of 81.
Kay was born on May 10, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan, to Melville and Kathryn Napper. She grew up in Warren, Michigan and graduated from Fitzgerald High School in 1961. A lifelong learner, she earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and a Master's in Education from Michigan State University. She dedicated herself to teaching special-needs students in the Van Dyke Public Schools until her retirement in 1974.
Born with a heart full of creativity and a deep devotion to family, Kay poured her energy into every role she took on-especially as a mother. She raised her three children, Micheal (Kathleen), Mathew (Samantha), and Michelle (Craig), with equal parts love, strength, and sass. Whether she was decorating a cake or two (OK a bazillion), sewing on a Scout patch (maybe as many as the cakes), or sewing up a storm for the 501st Legion (because even Darth Vader's troops need a good seamstress!), Kay approached everything she did with care, enthusiasm, and perfection!
She was the proud matriarch of a bustling family that includes two grandchildren Allison (Kay's Padawan) and Anthony, one great-grandchild Kaylee, and her beloved siblings: James (Jewel) Napper, ToniJo (Robert) Kay, and JoAnn (Terry) Miller. Many nieces and nephews also cherished "Aunt Kay," a title she wore like a badge of honor. She now reunites with her dearly missed husband, Ira Micheal May-her partner in crime since their wedding day on June 28, 1969-and her sister, DonnaLee Napper and brother, Thomas (Debbie) Napper.
Beyond the stitches and Scout meetings, Kay's greatest legacy is the warmth she brought into every room. Her laugh was infectious, her hugs genuine, and a small but strong boot in your tail side when warranted. The belief in her family was fierce and she was a second Mom to many. She championed her loved ones' passions/shenanigans with an open heart, a sewing machine and E6000 at the ready as HEAD ARMORER and TASK MASTER of MAYHEM Industries with unquestioned loyalty (OK maybe there were some questions).
Friends and family are invited to remember and celebrate Kay's beautiful life on Friday, April 18, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Gramer Funeral Home, 705 North Main Street, Clawson, MI 48017. A service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 a.m., also at the funeral home, followed by burial at Cadillac Memorial Gardens-East in Clinton Township.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization close to Kay's heart-because she never stopped believing in magic. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of KayJean, please visit our Tree Store.