Retha Dean May

    Retha Dean May, 90, of Little Rock, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, September 8, 2024.

    Retha was born to Amos and Trudie Mae (Keene) Dean on March 30, 1934, in Newton County. After high school, Retha graduated from college with an associate degree in nursing and worked for many years as an RN at the Lauderdale County Health Department. On April 21, 1951, she married the love of her life, James Oscar May, and together they raised their three children. Retha was adored by her husband, and she was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Retha was an excellent cook and could make a “mean banana pudding”. She loved to smile and laugh and was known to pull jokes on anyone just for fun. She was also a great storyteller. Her children and grandchildren would happily pile into her bedroom to hear her many tales. 

     Retha is survived by her sons, Dr. Jeffery A. May and Barry D. May (Shari); her daughter, Linda Motz (Stephen); seven grandchildren, Jessica May, Jaime Phelps (Matt), Jeffery May (Hannah), Juliet Tracy (Connor), Dr. Benjamin Motz (Christian), Dr. Lillie Fisher (Justin), and Samuel Motz, MS III (Maddie Campbell); along with five great-grandchildren, Graham, Lenora, Archie, Layla, and Norah; and her loving caregiver, Belinda Adcock.

     Retha was preceded in death by her parents, Amos and Trudie Mae Dean; her loving husband of 61 years, James Oscar May; her brother, Harold Dean; and her sisters, Doris Dean Jones and Alice Dean Brashier.

     Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, beginning at 2pm at the Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband.

     The staff of Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes-Union is grateful for the opportunity to honor Retha’s life and memory and to serve her loving family during this time.