May, Mary Elizabeth 1846-1932

MAY, STEVENS, MCDOWELL, DAVIS, JOHNSON, WALTERS, BISWELL

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 11/11/2011 at 10:27:55

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; Mar. 8, 1932

MARY ELIZABETH STEVENS MAY PASSES AWAY

Mary Elizabeth Stevens, the daughter of George W. and Nancy Jane Stevens, was born Dec. 10, 1846 in Macon county, Mo., and passed away in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Wm. McDowell, Friday, March 4th at 10:20 p.m., at the age of 85 years 2 mo. and 23 days.

At the age of 26 she was united in marriage to Chas. M. May who departed from this life 17 years ago. To this union were born eight children, four of whom died in infancy. There are left to mourn their great loss four children, Alonzo May of Des Moines; Delpha McDowell, Chas. E. May and John W. May all of Grinnell. Also Grace J. Davis Johnson, a niece, whom Mrs. May had reared since the age of four weeks. Two sisters, Mrs. John Walters of Excello, Mo. and Mrs. Wm. Biswell of Walnut Grove, Minn.; twelve grandchildren and one great grandchild, besides Mrs. Johnson's eight children who receive the same considerate attention as her own grandchildren.

She was raised as a Baptist but in later years joined the Friends church at Chapel, Mo. She lived a quiet life and spoke only when words were appropriate. During the last lingering hours she stated a comforting readiness to go. She was an ever loving mother always thoughtful of others even during her last illness and worried about those who were staying by her bedside.

The burial services were conducted by Rev. Robert Lincoln, assisted by Chas. F. Thomas, and burial was in Hazelwood cemetery. Pallbearers were Virgil Johnson, Orvil May, Austin Miller, Omar Milburn, Will Laymiller and Harry Sowder. Mrs. Rose Fowler and Mrs. Alta Russell sang three numbers, "Going Down the Valley," "No Night There," and "Haven of Rest."