Mary Elizabeth Brown May, 85, drifted peacefully to her heavenly home on Thursday, July 23, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Julian, North Carolina.

Funeral and graveside services will be held on Sunday, July 26, at 3:00 p.m. at Coble's Lutheran Church in Julian, North Carolina. Visitation with the family will follow immediately after the services. In honor of Mary's joyful spirit and love of bright colors, those attending are encouraged to wear cheerful colors.

Mary was born on November 14, 1940, in Reidsville, North Carolina, to Ernest "Pete" Mack Brown and Mary Lucy Lynn Brown.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Charlie Paul May; her daughter, Karen Holt, and son-in-law, Jimmy Holt; and her beloved grandchildren, Colin and Corinna Wyatt, whom she treasured and loved dearly. She is also survived by her half-brothers, Bobby Brown and Ernest “Red” Brown; her half-sister, Ann Cooper; her sister-in-law, Rachel Garrett; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Mary graduated from Greensboro High School in 1959 and enjoyed a remarkable 42-year career with Wachovia Bank, now Wells Fargo, where she faithfully served as both a bank manager and auditor. She was known for her integrity, compassion, dedication, and strong work ethic.

Mary found great joy in traveling with Paul, camping and listening to bluegrass music. She was incredibly talented and creative, rarely sitting still without a project in her hands. Her gifts were always shared with others...sewing chair pockets for classroom teachers, making costumes for her grandchildren, creating bookmarks for her daughter's students, stitching beautiful cross-stitch gifts, and crocheting countless dish cloths for family and friends. Her thoughtful creations were expressions of the love she so freely gave.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Mary was an active member of Coble's Lutheran Church in Julian for many years. She faithfully served her church in numerous roles, including church treasurer, council member, Sunday School teacher, and member of the Friendly Circle. Her willingness to serve and quiet dedication touched many lives within her church family.

Above all, Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her gentle spirit, wonderful sense of humor, generous heart, genuine spirit, unwavering faith, and servant's attitude left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to everyone who offered love, kindness, and support throughout Mary's long illness, especially her sister-in-law, Rachel Garrett; her niece, Margaret May; and the many family members and friends who faithfully walked alongside her. A special thank you is extended to the compassionate caregivers of AuthoraCare for their exceptional care and support.

Please take a moment to share condolences and memories on the Tribute Wall with Mrs. Mary’s family at www.coleycares.com.

Coley Funeral & Cremation Service is honored to take part in serving the May family and celebrating the life of Mrs. Mary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mary's honor to Coble's Lutheran Church, 5200 Coble Church Rd., Julian, NC 27283 or to AuthoraCare Collective of Greensboro, 914 Chapel Hill Rd., Burlington, NC 27217.