Lavon May

Lavon May, 97, of Quincy, Illinois, formerly of Hurdland, Missouri, passed away Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the Adam's Pointe Assisted Living in Quincy, Illinois.

She was born October 4, 1927, in Novelty, Missouri, the daughter of Benjamin Leslie and Zylpha Maud Cowles Botts.

She attended the Small Rural Grade School near Novelty, Missouri, and graduated from the Novelty High School in the Class of 1945. She continued her education at Northeast Missouri State Teachers College (Truman State) earning a BS degree in Education and went on to earn a Master's Degree in Science Education at Northeast Missouri State University.

Her first job was with Hamilton High School teaching "Home Economics", later teaching at Novelty High School and Knox County High School. She also taught various elementary grades at Knox County as well as St. Joseph Catholic School.

On May 16, 1959, at her father's home in Novelty, Missouri, Lavon married Charles Carrol May and to this union a daughter was born.

In her life she was a member of the Novelty Christian Church, Brashear Community Bible Church and more recently with The Crossing in Quincy, Illinois. She was active with the Extension Club in Hurdland, Missouri State Teachers Association, and the 4-H Clubs. She enjoyed sewing, gardening and reading but most of all she loved making time for her family, especially her grandchildren.

Lavon is survived by her daughter, Leann, son-in-law Jeff Boxerman of Quincy, Illinois; three grandchildren, Stephen Jeffrey Boxerman and his wife Addie, Katherine Anne Boxerman, and Matthew Charles Boxerman; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Zylpha Botts; husband of 49 years, Charles C. May; a brother, Lee Botts; and two sisters, Isabelle Fretwell, and Anna Nelson; and stepdaughter Carolyn Wilhite.

Funeral Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 15, 2025, at the Novelty Christian Church in Novelty, Missouri.

Visitation with the family receiving friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Monday at the Church.

Interment will be in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Hurdland, Missouri.

Pastor Alan Rabe will officiate and casket bearers will be Stephen Boxerman, Bill Fretwell Sr. Bill Bretwell Jr., Will Fretwell, Matthew Boxerman and Jeff Boxerman.

An expression of sympathy in memory of Lavon May may be left to the Samaritan's Purse or The Crossing. A memorial may be left at or mailed to the Doss Funeral Home 208 N. 4th Street, Edina, Missouri 63537.