This hurts. This is REAL!

Who knew such a pain in my chest I would feel, , ,
This is something not to be dismiss'd
because others don't understand how I feel...

. . . I kiss the petal rose. . .

She is gone, but not too far,
for all I have to do is look upward
and see her smile nestled safely in the stars,
and the light, the spectrum for which it stands,
is like her being right here, still holding tightly my hands.

. . . .I kiss the petal rose. . .

I love you Grandmana, you know this is true ,
even the family who won't admit it know that
you were me, and I was you.
Like you said when people bothered me,
"Oh Child, don't pay them no mind..."

so I'll take your advice, remember your smile,
and your love, and take life from here...
just one moment at a time.

and forever shall I cherish your aroma
you are my rose. . .

© 2009 cynth'ya lewis reed
all rights reserv'd

Ruby Ruth May
Sept. 25, 1913 — Nov. 18, 2009

Ruby Ruth May, 96, went home to be with the Lord on Nov. 18, 2009, at Countryside Manor Health Center in Anderson. Ruby was born Sept. 25, 1913, in Grady, Ala., the third child of Hubert and Savannah (Phillips) Mayes. She and her husband, Billy Joe May, Sr., moved from Alabama to Anderson in 1952, where they resided until his retirement from Delco Remy in 1975, after which they returned to Alabama. A few years after her husband's death in 1992, Ruby returned to Anderson at the request of her children.

Ruby had a very strong impact on her oldest granddaughter, Muncie author and business woman Cynth'ya Lewis Reed whom she raised for several years, and was the foundation for Reed's early church education and training. The family matriarch was a full time active homemaker who loved to travel. She also was known for her numerous talents and interests that included, but were not limited to, fishing, quilting, making preserves and canning. Ruby was noted for being an exceptional cook and her family routinely enjoyed over-indulging themselves on her one-of-a-kind famous egg (custard) pies, hot homemade biscuits with Alaga Syrup, homemade rolls, pound cake, sweet potato and pecan pies and delicious five layer cakes.

Ruby was also a dedicated Christian woman who faithfully served not one, but two congregations in her lifetime. As a member of Wallace Temple AME Zion Church in Anderson, she was a deaconess, very active in the Wallace Temple  Missionary Society, Usher Board, and Stewardesses. Ruby also was a dedicated member of the Helicon Missionary Baptist Church in Grady, Ala., where she was a Stewardess and an Usher. As an Usher at the Helicon Missionary Baptist Church, she was the recipient of their "Usher of the Year" award. In addition to her church work, Ruby was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Grady, Ala. She also loved reading, and watching Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and the Animal Planet.

Ruby is survived by four children: a daughter, Reeba M. (husband, John) Cooper, and by three sons, L.C. (wife, Katherine) May and Billy Joe Jr. (wife, Willie Mae) May, all of Anderson, and James C. May of Tucson, Ariz.; 18 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.

Ruby was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Joe Sr. "B.J." May; her parents, Hubert and Savannah May; sister, Cuemi Pruitt; her four brothers, Mervin Mayes, Semmie Mayes, Clemmie Mayes and Modie Ted Mayes; daughter-in-law Lula B. May; and two grandchildren, Charles C. Washington and Kelvin May.

Anderson services were held at 1 p.m. Wednesday November 25, 2009 at Wallace Temple AME Zion Church, 1518 Forkner St., Anderson, with the Rev. Dr. Anthony Gibson officiating.  May Funeral Services of Anderson was in charge of the arrangements  Her final services were held at 12 noon Saturday November 28, 2009 at Helicon Missionary Baptist Church in Grady, Ala., with the Rev. Frederick Lowery officiating. Moore Chapel Funeral Home, 159 W. Sixth St., Luverne, AL 36049, is in charge of the Alabama arrangements. Her remains will be next to her husband's in the Helicon Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family of Ruby R. May would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the following health care providers who each played a significant role in caring for Ruby: Keystone Woods Assisted Living, Monticello House Alzheimer's Care, Countryside Manor Health and Living, and Aseracare Hospice.

(End of Obituary for Ruby May)