She was born February 20, 1927 in Chattanooga to the late Claude L. & Clara Duckett Gwin.
She was a member of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church and a lifelong member of the J. Fred Johnson, Jr. Bible Class.
Mrs. May was preceded in death by her husband, Fred William May, Sr., son, Fred William May, Jr., and brother, Clyde Gwin.
Survivors include her sons, David May and Bobby (Lavada Talley) May of Chattanooga; daughter-in-law, Ann May of Ringgold; grandchildren, Ryan (Courtnie) May, Dillon (Jordan) May of Chattanooga, Garry (Laura) May of Hendersonville, and Cori (Matt) Kile of Dalton; and great-grandchildren, Laura Kate May, Libby May, and Sawyer May.
Shirley was an avid antique collector restoring radios and clocks and along with her husband owned Behind the Times. She was loving mother to her boys and made certain no one ever left her home hungry. Famous for her family meals at every holiday, Shirley worked tirelessly in preparations for them. Preparing food for the homebound at her church and for others was her passion.
The family will receive friends Friday, September 21, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Graveside services will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Forest Hill Cemetery.
The family wishes to give a special thank you for the love and care Shirley received at Hickory Valley Retirement Center and Kindred Hospice Care. She will be greatly missed and cherished by her family.
Memorial contributions may be made to Kindred Hospice Care, 5616 Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37411.
Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.