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Jessie Lee May

Jessie May Obituary

Jessie Lee May
of Gulfport, MS passed away August 29, 2005 in New Orleans, LA at the age of 79.

She was born on May 27, 1926 to Mattie Newsome in Monticello, MS. She was loved and cherished by everyone that her life touched. She was known for always giving a helping hand. She came to Gulfport in late 1955 and united with Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mattie Newsome; her daughter, Mary Nell "Maynell" Dennis, and three grandsons, John Henry Willett, John Christopher Willett, and Reginald King, Jr.

She is survived by her husband, Henry L. May, Sr.; three sons, Henry (Doris) Newsome, and L. W. Newsome of Gulfport, and John C. May of Moss Point, MS; six daughters, Willie Mae Searey, Martha May-Hulum, Cynthia Willett of Gulfport, Dona (Russell) Lavalais, Diane (Terry) McLaurin and Martha Dennis May all of Tacoma, Washington; twenty six grandchildren, forty-three great-grandchildren, and six great-great grand children.

Services will be 10AM, Saturday October 1, 2005 graveside at Evergreen Cemetery in Gulfport. A memorial service will be Noon at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, in Gulfport.

Care of our mother is entrusted only to the professionalism of MARSHALL FUNERAL HOME.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sun Herald on Sep. 30, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Jessie May

14 Entries

Mama,

Martha May

March 22, 2025

Martha May

March 22, 2025

Hello mama!!!

Dona Lavalais

April 25, 2017

It's been a long while since I last visited you, However, it's not a day that I don't think of you. I love you and miss you, dad, MayNell,Tally, Doris, and others. I know 1st hand to what it feels like to to miss someone so much. God have a plan for me that I must continue to serve him and keep him first in my life and continue to be a blessing to others. I thank God for having a mother like you that was always truthful and hand an encouraging spirit. You took very good care of your family and loved all of us! I thank you for everything!! Love you and Will continue to stand on God's promises and will wait patiently upon the LORD to renew my strength. I love working in my church because I love Jesus. I thank you for telling us about him and praying for us while teaching us how to pray. I thank you for coming to my graduation in WA. And in two years, I will be so happy again to finally graduate again.

Dona Lavalais

April 23, 2007

Mama,

It's getting close the your birthday again. Oh, How I miss you so. I talk to my other siblings every now and then, but since you been gone, nothing is the same.

I will always remember what you told us to "Always Love one another!"

I pray that we as a family can continue to find the strength, happiness, and forgiveness that each and every one of us desirely need to continue on and do what "God has plan for us to do.

I will always love you and I miss you Mama.

It's almost been two years since you been gone. Mother's Day is coming up soon, and also your birthday on 27 May, you'll be 81.

I am hoping that I'm able to come down this year for your birthday. And soon, I will make sure that your headstone is set!

Mama,
I know all of your children misses you. They love you too. I just hope they can continue in prayer and find peace within. Tell May Nell, I said hi and I miss her too. I check on Annette and Jessica, and her greatgrandchildren too. they're doing fine.

"God still has something for me to do!"

Love always,

Your Daughter,
Dona

Seal this enrty with a kiss and a prayer!!

Dona L

December 14, 2006

Hey mama,

Just a few lines to let you know that I always think of you.

I miss your smiles, your dedication to your family, and sincerity along with honesty and telling us like it really is.

It's been 1 year and 73 days since you've been gone. The family is still trying to put their lives back together--still fighting and fussing whenever someone doesn't do what the other wants--but we all still love each other.

I have gone back to work and I am trying to do the best I can with what I have. You're right! "I am still trying to keep the family together and to continue to keep up with your bills. Hopefully by the end of the year, I will have caught them up. I will be sending some flowers to put on your grave for Christmas.

Mama, you know I really love and miss you so very much, but, I know that "God had a better plan for you!! "Tell Maynell I said hi and I miis and love her too!!

See you at the crossroads!

Love your daughter,

Dona Tacoma

Dona Lavalais

September 7, 2006

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006

Constance Annette May

September 7, 2006

To my Grandmother/mother,

Who I love very dearly, who taught me alot, and who taught me that God was first and family was second. She kept me strong at all times.

She taught me love when I didn't know love. She taught me the value of a dollar. She was also an only child too, like me, and our mother's were both the same--they always come and go--but my mama (late-Mary Nell and grandmother, Mrs. Jessie Lee May-- both loved me Unconditionally and always wanted the best for me.--

My mother, the late Mary Nell Dennis, had a sister that told me that I can always lean on her when needed. She also told my mama that she will take care of me she will give me stict dicipline and tough love when need, my Aunt Dona in Tacoma Washington.

See ya later grandma, see at the crossroads. You and my mama have a good time with the Lord. May God bless you and keep you in his arms. Thanks for keeping me strong!!!! I'm a SURVIVER!!!

Love you and miss you,

your first Grandchild--Nettie

better known as Bam Bam (Annette May)

Russell Lavalais

August 11, 2006

To my mother-n-Law, Jessie Lee May(MOMA). The lady that put up a tremendous fight with the devil and his/her followers. I miss you so much.I'm reminded of your legacy when I look at Dona.I Keep you in my heart and mind everday. The times we have mean so much to me. Your grace, love,and wisdom. Taught me not to be a better man, but a greater man. As you live amongst the working angels of GOD, may you help guide us threw the path of living a rightous and meaningful life. I LOVE YOU MRS. MAY (MOMA)

Dona Lavalais

August 9, 2006

Mama,

Mrs. Jessie Lee May, Gulfport, MS

You know I really miss you. I never miss a day without thinking of you. Your pictures are out all around me.

You STILL Live inside of me. You were such an inspirational woman. There is no other mother that can even come close to you. You were there to give me unconditional love and to give strict discipline as needed.

You always told us to do what's right and to love one another.

Mama you held our family together as long as I could remember.

Mama, you set the standards for being such an outstanding mother who believed in "GOd" and was DOWN for her family and was a good friend to many. She treated everyone like family. She was a Caring, Courageous Succesful, hardworking, "God Fearing--Independent woman.

She taught me how to be the woman I am today. It's so many GOOD things I can say about you mama-- it would take a lifetime.

To all the mothers around the world, and especially Gulfport, I challange all of you to walk the walk and talk the talk of Mrs. Jessie Lee May who set the standards of being the world's greatest mother.

Mama, you are a very special person in my life and I truly miss you mama. May God Bless you , and even in your DARKEST hour, "GOD never left you alone!!

I am proud to be your daughter and I know all of your children feel the same way. In your honor, I celebrate your love. I know that you belived in "God" and doing what's right and also fair. It's almost that time again,"Hurricane Katrina, the storm you spoke about on March 6, 2005-"You're also at the meeting In "GOD's House-It's eternal life--I can see you smiling Mama. I know that "God has something for me to do!!

And a another message from ALL the relatives of Mrs. Jessie Lee May, especially her children,

"KEEP YOUR HEAD UP and STRIVE TO STAY ALIVE--DO WHAT MAMA TAUGHT US--YOU CAN DO IT--ANYTHING YOU PUT YOU PUT MIND TO!!! LOVE ALL OF YALL! WE ARE FAMILY!

Love you Mama,

Your daughter,

Dona

kimberly mccarty

August 8, 2006

Mrs Jesse always demonstrated a woman of great character and strength. She always opened her doors and refrigerator for anyone. Even though I'm not blood related I've always felt like family. I know your legacy lives on in the strong family that you made. The memories I have of you are as visible today as they were when they were made. I pray for you and yours and will always love you.

Dona Lavalais

January 18, 2006

Mama,

Even though I wasn't physically by your side to the end, I never miss a day in thinking of you. Everyday, I still think of you and miss you. I know you will always watch over me and you're here with me in the Spirit.

You know I' will always love and miss you. I know that I have always done the best I could for you and you always appreciated everything from anyone. I remember the last time I spoke with you on March 6, 2005, and you told me you won't live to you're 80, but you made it until 79. The conversation we had will always stay on my mind.

I know that God had a plan for you and I know that you will always be in his hands. I will miss you and always keep you in my heart. I Love you mama. You were the best mama in the world. You were strict, but always fair. You were very strong and a true survivor and you destilled that in me.

You are God's soldier now. I know that you are up there with the Angels having a good time.

Every time I see your pictures, you're smiling at me. I thank God for having a mother like you. You taught us to love one another, and that I do.

I now sit back and think of the good times we shared,

Even when my heart was broken, I knew that you cared.

You always gave us your best,

That's what makes you special from the rest.

Of course you knew that every time I came home, I was always happy to see you and Maynell and daddy first. I will always miss you.

See you at the Crossroad,

Love your daughter Dona Lavalais (WA state)

Victor Tyler

October 18, 2005

To Family and Friends,

My prayers go out to all. Your lost is felt by many. May time heal your sorrows and memories ease your pain. What a wonderful neighbor Mrs. May was to grow up next door to.

With Sympathy,

Vic

kim shelton

September 30, 2005

There's a lonesomeness after the death of one;s mother, but I want you to know that your friends are thinking of you and sympathizing with you in this time of your great loss. Your mother has been a part of my life for the last twenty five years and I loved her just because she always was true. We had a special relationship and I can only tell you, this too shall pass. I will never forget the friendliness and kindness your mother extended to me and Tiki. She was loved by all who knew her.

With Sympathy,

FOXIE

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