Wanda L. May

Wanda was born on March 16, 1934 in Richardsville, OK to Edd and Inez Beasley and moved to Phoenix in 1951 after marrying her husband of 67 years, Carl. She returned to Oklahoma when Carl was drafted into the US Air Force, and finished high school.

Upon returning to Phoenix, Wanda worked for Phoenix Title and Trust, and in 1969 she obtained her real estate license and began working for John D. Nobel & Associates at offices in both Phoenix and Sun City. A few years later, she opened her own agency, May & Associates in Glendale, AZ selling real estate and providing property management services. Wanda’s strong work ethic led the way to her many accolades including serving as the President of the Glendale Board of Realtors for multiple terms.

Wanda was a devoted member of the Glendale community. She became an active member of the West Valley YMCA, where she held numerous board positions, and also served as President of the Glendale Chapter of Women’s counsel, and then became President of the Arizona Chapter of Women’s counsel. Following her terms as president, she then became Governor of the Arizona Chapter of Women’s counsel. Throughout her tenure and participation with the board offices and women’s council, she chaired numerous committees leading various initiatives to improve her beloved community.

Wanda was also a dedicated member, and Co-President, of the Soroptimist of the Kachinas group. While working with her Soroptimist group, Wanda was the founding member of the West Valley Child Crisis Center that grew from the original house in Maryvale, to its current campus in Peoria under the new name, Hope Community Services. She even worked her magic, and convinced John F. Long, the developer of the Maryvale community, to donate the original house.

Wanda made long lasting relationships and more importantly, long lasting impacts on the community she served while being involved with her different clubs and charities.

Additionally, Wanda was an extremely gifted seamstress, winning awards in the state of Oklahoma as a young girl. She also enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling with Carl in their motorhome with their RV club, and attending many of her grand daughters’ sporting events.

Wanda is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Stephan (Robert) and three grandchildren, Lauren Stephan, Kristin Stephan and Matthew May. She is preceded in death by her husband Carl May, and son Gary May.

Services for Wanda will be held at Resthaven/Carr-Tenney Mortuary and Memorial Gardens on Thursday, January 9th at 10 am.