Louise May

Mother Louise Askins May, affectionally known as “Mong” was the daughter of the late Henry and Sarah Simmons Askins.  She was born October 21, 1923 in Florence County, South Carolina.

She was educated in the public schools of Florence County and she always believed in education and would state, “a mind is a terrible thing to waste.”  She was employed with the Florence Convalescent Center as a custodian/housekeeper for over 20 plus years where she was a faithful, dependable and hardworking employee that all co-workers and residents loved dearly.

Mother May at an early age was baptized and joined Central Baptist Church, where she served as an Usher, Missionary, Eastern Star, and a humble servant of the Lord.  On September 7, 2003, she was recognized as Mother of the church.  Mother May never met a stranger and she was loved by all who came in contact with her.

On December 27, 1950, Mother May was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Joe May Sr. in Florence, SC.  She was a loving and devoted wife and mother of eight children.  Mother was the Matriarch of the family who kept everyone stuck together like glue and was known to be a nurturing,  loving, caring, and sweet person.  She would give to those in need and was the person to go to when you needed someone to listen.  She wore many hats in the family. Mother May was known to many as mother, grandma, great grandma, a prayer warrior, a friend, a sister, an aunt and a humble servant.  Sleep on Mother May we love you but God loved you best.  You will be missed by many, but it’s time for you to take your rest.

She was preceded in death by two sons and a daughter: Mitchell May, Jimmy (Christine) and Sylvia Askins; siblings: Bessie (Robert) Leecost and Willie (Lula) Askins.

Mother May entered into enteral rest on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at McLeod Regional Medical Center.  Survivors include four daughters: Annie Mae Askins, Bessie May, Rosenna (Thomas) McElveen, all of Florence, SC, Sarah (Lt. Col Montague) (Retired) Samuel of Barksdale AFB, Louisiana; one son: Joe (Evon) May, Jr. of Florence, SC.  One sister: Sarah (William) Briggs of Florence, SC. 23 grandchildren, 49 great grandchildren; a host of special nieces and nephews, also cousins and friends.

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