Melzena May

Melzena May was born on June 1, 1939 to the union of Ella Mae Roberts and Percy Whitehead in Greenwood, MS. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Salone May, Jr., brother Ulysses Whitehead and son Marvin “Pee Wee” May.

She was a long time member of Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church, where she accepted Christ as her Lord and personal savior. She joyfully and regularly attended Sunday service until the decline of her health.

Melzena was a longtime neighbor living in the Seattle area central district, living in the same home for 57 years. In her home, she held a childcare center for over 30 years. During this time, she provided parents with an affordable, caring, dependable, and trustworthy place for their children to be taken care of while at work. Affectionately known by the kids as Ms. May, she treasured these children as if they were her own. She loved “her kids” so much that she developed lifelong relationships with them.  Many of them regularly dropped in to visit her even after growing up. She was always there with her beautiful, welcoming smile and arms wide open.

Melzena enjoyed bowling and was part of a league for several years. She loved reading and listening to gospel music. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family. Around the holidays, she had been known to fill many bellies with her delicious greens.

She was well known for her quiet, yet strong demeanor. She loved fiercely and selflessly.

Melzena passed away on November 21, 2019 at Swedish Hospital in Seattle with her family surrounding her.

Melzena leaves to cherish her memory, daughters Debbie May and Regina May, son Salone May III, grandchildren Tiana Commodore (Rufus), Maurice Hunter Jr., Christopher Stewart (Alexis), Tawesha McClain, Damiko White (Casey), Yalonda Smith (Trevon) , Kiarra May, Wilhelmina Stewart, Connor Haddock & Savanna Courter, 14 great grandchildren, and a host of family and friends.

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