Mrs. Anita Hardee May

Anita Hardee May, a longtime resident of Florence, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2021. She was born February 14, 1933 in Quitman, MS to Leonard and Minnie Esta Hardee. Anita graduated from Pachuta High School in 1950 where she was chosen Mrs. Pachuta High School, Most Outstanding Girl, Most Dignified Senior, and Most Popular Girl. After attending Mississippi Southern for 1 year, she transferred to Mississippi College where she graduated in 1954 with a BA. While attending Mississippi College, she was a member of the Robed Choir, Vice President of the Laguna Tribe, a Class Favorite, Jr. Class Secretary, and on the Homecoming Court. During her time at MC, she met James “Sonny” Miller May, Jr. the love of her life and husband of 66 years. Anita was a loving mother of four children and a devoted wife. She dedicated her life to her family and to the First Baptist Church of Florence. Anita sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, worked with GA’s loved helping in the nursery, enjoyed Vacation Bible School each summer, and was very involved with the Woman’s Missionary Union. She was instrumental in opening the first church library at FBC Florence. She felt honored to be on the Stained-Glass Window Committee for the new auditorium. One of her greatest joys was to serve lunch for visiting pastors on Sunday afternoons. Anita was very active in the community as well. She was a member of the PTA and often a substitute teacher. She served as a Social Worker in Jackson, worked for the Baptist Bookstore, followed by a successful career in the food service industry owning/managing May’s Frosty dip and May’s Burger House. She enjoyed playing cards, entertaining church friends and guest, and hosting wedding or baby showers. She was preceded in death by her husband, “Sonny” May; daughter, Sharron May; brother, Tommy Hardee; and sister, Mary Lynn Hardee Lee. She is survived by three children, Mindy May (Dr. David) Costello of Kaufman, TX, Isaac (Kathy) May of Star, MS, and Dr. Byron (Leslie) May of Jacksonville FL; and seven grandchildren. The Florence community, friends and relatives are invited to participate in a celebration of life at Chancellor Funeral Home on Sunday, August 8, 2021. Visitation from 12:00- 2:00 p.m. and Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donation are requested to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund at ALZ.org. The May family gratefully appreciates the loving care given to Anita by the caregivers at Villa South in Florence and St. Catherine’s Village in Madison. A heartfelt thanks to the First Baptist Church members and staff who lovingly visited Mom, sent cards, candies and flowers on a regular basis. Those moments were highlights in her last years.