J.C May

J.C May Obituary The Life Story of Brother J C May J C May of Cleveland, Ohio departed this life on December 12, 2022, after a short illness at the Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Hospice Care Unit. J C and his twin sister, Willie B. May, entered this life on May 4, 1922, in Bonita, Mississippi to their loving parents, James Houston May and Annie Matt May. The May family had a total of eleven children, seven girls and four boys. J C had one daughter, Edna Faye May from his first marriage. After leaving school, J C became a part-time employee at Bonita Brick Yard where his Uncle Shepp was employed. J C was the youngest person ever hired by that company and was soon elevated to Brick Truck Driver. J C was drafted into the U.S. Army and began his military career as a Non-Commissioned Officer in World War II with the Combat Unit, landing in Casablanca, Morocco in 1942. While serving his country in the European Theater, J C was part of the Supplies Unit and was stationed in North Africa, Tunis, Tunisia and Rome, Italy. While serving in Rome, J C was privileged to have an audience at the Vatican with Pope Pius XII kneeling before him to be blessed. After his discharge from the armed services, J C wanted a better life, and set his eyes on Cleveland, Ohio, relocated and lived with his uncles. He immediately found employment at General Motors’ Fisher Body Plant on Coit Road in Cleveland. On December 25, 1948, he married Louise Washington May (known as Lou Lou). They were married for 63 years. By 1951, J C had established himself and bought a duplex on E. 114th Street in Cleveland where other family members including his brother George, and his sister Clarice would follow. She would bring their niece, Ann Walker with her. Soon thereafter, the whole May and Ulmer families would also relocate to Cleveland. J C retired from Fisher Body as a supervisor after 39 years. J C became a member of Open Door Missionary Baptist Church in 1946 where Reverend A.P. Hines was his pastor. He joined the Usher Board soon after. Over the last 75 years, J C served many leadership roles on the Usher Board, as he expressed, “I love ushering. That’s what I do. I’m an Usher.” He also expressed how he loved serving with his most recent pastor, Pastor Joseph Hopkins III. On May 4, 2022, J C was blessed to celebrate his 100th Birthday! A special party was held at the Mediterranean Event Center in Bedford Heights, Ohio on May 7. Many special guests attended, including Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, (who officially declared May 4th as J C May Day!), Bedford Heights Mayor Fletcher Berger, and Cleveland City Councilman Joe Jones all attended the festivities. Acknowledgements came from U.S. President Joseph Biden, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and the Department of Ohio Disabled American Veterans who brought birthday cards - from as far away as Alaska, to students from Norton, Ohio. J C was also presented an American flag to thank him for his service and honor his dedicated legacy. J C was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Washington May, daughter, Edna Faye Hunter, his parents, James Houston May and Annie Matt May, sisters, Christine Wilson, Rose Ulmer, Lessie Cole and Willie B. (“Sis”) May, brothers, James Houston May, Jr., George May, Earl May, and grandson, Dexter May. J C May is survived by a special sister, Clarice Thomas, who was always by his side, assisting and helping him whenever needed - especially during the latter parts of his life. He is also survived by sisters: Annie Jane Johnson and Flora May Brooks (Charles); dedicated nieces: Linda Hale and Kelly Walker; grandchildren: John Winkfield, Jr., Daren Hill, Doreen Hill, Terrence Sudberry, their families, and a host of other relatives; special friends, Bettye Hines, Andre Thompson, and long-time neighbors and close friends, Columbus and Linda Kelly, and Home Care Aide, Charmaine Parks. J C also had a very special relationship with his long-time primary care physician, Dr. Gary Greenspan. The family of Mr. J C May would like to express their gratitude for the kindness of the nurses, doctors and entire staff at the Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of VA Medical Center. Humbly submitted, The Family To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of J.C May, please visit our floral store. Read More

J.C May

May 4, 1922 - December 19, 2022