Obituary of Phyllis A May

In accordance with His holy will, God our Heavenly Father called his daughter Phyllis Annette May to her eternal rest at 5:18pm on Friday, June 14, 2024. She was surrounded by her loving family as she departed this world. Phyllis was born on March 25, 1943. She was the eldest daughter to the late Amos Jenkins and Marie Jones Jenkins and big sister to the late Janet Marie James. She grew up in Haddonfield, New Jersey and attended Mt. Olivet Baptist Church where she was baptized at an early age. At the age of 7, she began what turned into a lifelong love of playing the piano. Her talent with the piano often got her out of chores as her father would love to hear her play. Her mother supported her love of playing by purchasing a small piano for their home. She learned to play the organ while attending church as a child. Phyllis attended Central School and Haddonfield Memorial High School. At the age of 12, her father died suddenly. She would remain in Haddonfield with her mother and sister until she graduated high school. Phyllis was a conscientious student and enjoyed reading, history, and languages. Upon graduation she attended a historically black college, Hampton Institute in Hampton, VA. While at Hampton, she pursued a degree in education. Phyllis would often share very fond memories of her time at Hampton. It was during her college years that she also became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in 1964. While away at college her mother would remarry the late Arthur Hicks, Sr. It was through that marriage she gained a stepbrother the late Arthur Hicks, Jr. Phyllis would complete her degree and graduate college in 1965. Phyllis met Payton Jon May, her best friend and love of her life for the past 58 years before going off to college. While they knew each other growing up, they did not date until Payton’s sister (Bessy Howell) insisted she would find him a date for a debutant dance his sisters wanted him to attend. It was on that date that their fate together was sealed. They were married on April 2, 1966. Through this union three children were born: Steven B. May, Curtis A. May, and Cynthia A. Barnes (nee May). The family were residents of Evesham Township in Marlton, NJ where she and Payton remained until her passing. Phyllis was a lifelong educator. She began her teaching career in 1965 and retired in 2007. She taught in Willingboro, NJ beginning in 1965 before leaving to El Paso, TX in 1968 for one year while Payton completed his military training. They returned to New Jersey, and she taught in the Cherry Hill School district from 1970 until 1994. In 1989 she completed her M.A. Personnel and Guidance from the College of New Jersey. In 1994 she transitioned out of the classroom and became a Guidance Counselor at Cherry Hill High School West. Her years spent in the classroom and as a guidance counselor impacted generations of young people. It was not uncommon to be out with Phyllis and hear a voice exclaim, “Mrs. May! Do you remember me?” The only thing that topped that excitement was the fact that she always did and would share a genuine memory with the adult standing before her about their own childhood. Upon her retirement, Phyllis found joy in remaining in contact with her former colleagues. As an avid reader, she would join her former colleagues in a book club they formed. These ladies fulfilled the love of reading and friendship that she valued so much. After her retirement she also committed more time to her piano playing. She returned to taking lessons for classical music. Phyllis was never shy about her faith and love of the Lord. It was established in her youth and the foundation of her marriage and family. She found her church home at Bethany Baptist Church. It was here that she was able to share her joy of service. She was a member of the Saints Alive ministry, a longtime member of the College-bound ministry, and also spent time volunteering to call and welcome new members. She found ways to constantly be of service and touch lives throughout her life. She was a piano teacher, a tutor, and a volunteer for the Gift of Life. As a recipient of a kidney donation, she wanted to give back by making sure others knew the importance of donating organs to help save lives. She also made countless charitable contributions. If you knew Phyllis, you loved her. She always had a smile for you, never met a stranger, and had the BEST laugh! Phyllis leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Payton May; two sons, Steven May and Curtis May; one daughter, Cynthia Barnes (nee May); one daughter-in-law, Kayren Alaris; one son-in-law, Darryl Barnes; three grandchildren, Mariah Diaz and her husband Cruz Diaz, Payton May, and Paxton May; one great granddaughter, Vivianne Lane Diaz; three sisters-in-law, Hazel May, Bessy Howell, and Violet Wheeler; one brother-in- law, Ulysses James, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who loved and were loved by her.