Lou Heaton Davidson May, 86, of Elizabethton, passed away on Saturday, July 19, 2014, at her home following an extended illness. She was born in Carter County, Tenn., a daughter of the late James Blain and Susan Bowman Heaton. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Cecil Lynn Davidson, an infant son, three sisters and seven brothers.
Mrs. May was a retired seamstress, homemaker and a very active member of Hunter United Methodist Church. She was an avid gardener, a member of UMW, sang in the choir, and was always busy doing church work.
Survivors include her husband, Dr. Floyd May, of the home; three daughters, Joy Lynn O’Neill and husband Bob of Amarillo, Texas, Nancy Foutch and husband Trent of Elizabethton and Kathy Oliver of Centreville, Va.; four step-children, Dr. David May, Carol Nidiffer, Dr. Angela May and Dr. Grover May, all of Elizabethton; six grandchildren, Kyna Lynn Baldivia, Trebor O’Neill, Summer Noel O’Neill, Joseph Lynn Foutch, Lourania Madison Oliver and Macy Lynn Oliver; four great-grandchildren; 12 step-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, Bob Davidson of New York and Sid Davidson of Elizabethton; and a very special friend, Sue McGaha. Many nieces and nephews also survive.
A service to celebrate the life of Mrs. May will be conducted at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, in the Chapel of Peace, Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Rev. Estel F. Williams II and Rev. Mike Berry officiating. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 5:30 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, prior to the service. The graveside service and interment will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 23, at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be Hugh Buckles, Charles “Dude” LaPorte, Joey Foutch, Trebor O’Neill, Nick Holder, Dan Holder, Larry Dean Kiser and Dr. David May. Honorary pallbearers will be Eugene Gouge, Jerry Gouge, Bill Cline, Jerry Bowers, Jack Perkins, Bill Zimmerman and Dr. Grover May. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the funeral home at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday to go in procession to the cemetery. The family would to send a special thanks to the staff of Wellington Place and Caris Hospice for their loving care given to Mrs. May. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to Hunter United Methodist Church, 722 Highway 91, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guest book.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the May family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.