Shirley May Obituary

Shirley Joyce (Payton) May, born on September 16, 1933, to the late Floyd Aldon and Leona Speed Payton, in Defoe, Henry County, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 17, 2025, in La Grange, Oldham County, Kentucky. She was 91 years old.

Joyce dedicated a significant part of her life to her career in food service for Henry County Public Schools, where she nourished the bodies and spirits of countless students with her delicious meals. Known for her warm smile and giving nature, she took great joy in cooking and feeding her friends and family, creating lasting memories around the dining table.

A cherished member of the Pleasureville Baptist Church, Shirley’s faith played an integral role in her life, guiding her through both challenges and celebrations. Her generosity extended beyond her immediate family; she loved gardening, nurturing both vegetables and flowers, and shared the fruits of her labor with those around her.

Joyce is survived by her two daughters, Linda Jo Tingle-McGowan (George) of Crestwood, Kentucky, and Billie Sue Webster (Steve) of Eminence, Kentucky. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren..

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband William Thomas May, her daughter Carol Jean Craigmyle, her sister Grace Seeders, and two brothers, J.C. Payton and Kenneth Payton.

Visitation for Shirley Joyce May will be held at Sholar-Riley Funeral Home in Pleasureville, Kentucky, on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM, and will be officiated by Rev. Richard Downing. Burial will be in the Defoe Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Ethan Craigmyle, Brandon Essex, Parker Landis, Jack Landis, Jaxson Roberts, Landon Webster and Oliver Boyer.

Honorary pallbearers will be Glenn Smith, Ruthie Smith, Cheryl Clark, Linda Aldridge, Janet Aldridge and Carol Sue Truman.

Shirley Joyce (Payton) May will be remembered for her nurturing spirit, her love of family, and her unwavering kindness. She touched the lives of all who knew her and will be greatly missed.