Norma Lee O'Cull May

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Norma Lee O'Cull May, a dedicated educator who touched countless lives. Norma passed away peacefully on May 19, 2025 at her home surrounded by her beloved family. A lifelong learner and passionate teacher, Norma spent many years inspiring students with their love of reading. Norma touched many lives in her teaching career. Her commitment to education and unwavering support for students will be deeply missed. Norma Lee O'Cull May of Vanceburg, Quick's Run Road was born on December 6, 1936 in Mason County, Kentucky at the North end of North Bear Wallow Road to the late George O'Cull Sr. and Grace Thomas O'Cull. Norma was the 6th child born to this family.
Norma graduated from the Orangeburg High School class of 1954 and later from Morehead State University, and began her teaching career at the Rectorville School, later at the Orangeburg Elementary School, and in 1965 became a member of the faculty for the Ripley-Union-Lewis-Huntington School system teaching at Higginsport School, later the older Ripley Elementary School teaching 2nd grade, and finished her career at that time the newly renovated Ripley Elementary School as a Title One Reading Specialist.
Norma is survived by her beloved husband, Roscoe Dale May of Vanceburg, and her only son, Bradley Dale May. She also is survived by her three grandchildren, Caleb May (Kadee Box, fiancée) of Morehead, Laura May of Concord, and Isaac Wade May of Concord.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents, George and Grace O'Cull along with siblings George O'Cull, Jr. (Lena May), Edmond O'Cull (Ethel Mae), Joe Frank O'Cull (Helen), Henry O'Cull (Linda) and sisters Eileen O'Cull Reid, Geneva O'Cull Reed and Phyllis O'Cull Campbell. Norma is survived by her siblings, Anna O'Cull Farmer (Joe) and Garnet O'Cull Trimble (Shelby). Norma also leaves her sister in laws Doris and Ruth May of Vanceburg, and Ray May (Gayle) of Mt. Carmel. She also leaves many nephews, nieces, abundance of friends, and former students to morn her loss.
Norma loved her church and was a faithful member of the Martin Church of Christ, Quick's Run, and attended church regularly until her decline in health. She was a dedicated Sunday School Class teacher, helped and directed Vacation Bible School for many years, and assisted with Christmas Programs at the church.
Funeral services will be held 6 p.m., Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Tollesboro Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 11918 Ky 57, Tollesboro, Kentucky, with Brother John Byard officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Mt. Carmel, Kentucky.
Friends may visit after 4:30 p.m., Thursday, May 22, 2025 until the service hour at Tollesboro Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Martin Church of Christ, 1418 Quicks Run Rd. Address: PO Box 325, Vanceburg, Ky. 41179 in memory Norma.
Tollesboro Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Norma Lee O'Cull May.