ANNIE L. MAY

Annie L. May, 96, of Coatopa, Alabama; an avid Wheel of Fortune Enthusiast

Sister Annie L. May of Coatopa, AL, lived to be 96 and passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Her departure leaves an unfillable void in the lives of friends and generations of family she leaves behind, yet there is great comfort in the memories, love, humor and life knowledge she shared. She is preceded in death by her parents, seven siblings and loving husband of 42 years, Deacon Iverson D. May Sr., who passed in 2012.

Annie found joy in the simple pleasures of life. An avid fan of television game shows, her evening ritual of watching “Wheel of Fortune” at 7 p.m. was a cherished tradition that spanned decades. It’s still unclear which part of the game show she liked more —playing along, solving the puzzles, or viewing the co-host’s daily outfits. What was clear is that calling her during that game show was challenging.

Born in Coatopa, AL, to the late Ross and Sarah Hines, she lived a full life. She began her formal education in the Sumter County Alabama School system and married Isaac Miller Jr., in Bellamy, AL. They were blessed with a daughter, Sandres K. Miller (San Diego, CA). Annie later moved to live and work in New York City, then relocated to Cleveland, OH, where she focused on raising her daughter and worked various jobs.

Later in life, Annie met and in 1971 married Iverson D. May about whom she said “I prayed to the Lord all my life for a blessing. He answered my prayers and sent you my way.” From 1971 to 1973, they lived in Springfield, OH. In 1973, they moved to Coatopa, AL, where they purchased land, built a new, single family home, integrated themselves into family and community, and enjoyed their favorite pastime — fishing. Along with her husband, Annie was a devout member of Prospect Baptist Church, then Bethel Pine Baptist Church, serving until her health declined.

Annie was preceded in death by her siblings and in-laws: Tom Hines (Ruth), Will T. Hines (Ann), Alice Jackson (Charles), Bennit Hines, Sarah Williams (John), Rosie Lee (Raymos) and Mary Danner (Norris). 

Cherishing Annie’s memory and celebrating her life are a host of nieces, nephews, great nephews and nieces, stepchildren, friends and acquaintances. She also leaves behind her devoted niece Tammy J. Montgomery (George) of Coatopa, AL, and great nephew George, Jr., of Atlanta, GA, nephew Charles Jackson Jr. (Ann) and great nephew, Charles III of Atlanta, GA, and niece, Wanda Jackson of Washington, DC.

Annie lived life to its fullest and now she is sailing on a journey to shores we cannot see. We know she is free from pain and sitting peacefully, perhaps watching another “Wheel of Fortune” episode. Just keep spinning…

“Seeing death as the end of life is like seeing the horizon as the end of the ocean.”

Family and friends are invited to share a favorite memory at her “Home Going Celebration” or express condolences online through Weatherly Funeral Home’s website: https://www.weatherlyfuneralhome.com

A memorial service and celebration of Annie’s life will be held on Saturday, November 29, at 11 a.m. in The Chapel at Weatherly Funeral Home, 1575 4th Avenue, York, AL. Reverend Willie J. Ivory, Bethel Pine Baptist Church-Coatopa, AL, will deliver the Eulogy. Annie’s final resting place will be at Elmwood Memorial Gardens, Highway 11 East, York, AL.

Instead of flowers, those who wish to honor Annie’s memory may contribute to Children of the Village (COTV) Network, Inc., (mailing address: P.O. Box 896, Livingston, AL, 35470). COTV Network, Inc. is a non-profit community-based organization close to her heart and where she in earlier years was a Food Bank volunteer.