Ethel Mae May, born March 8, 1934, passed away peacefully in Elizabeth City, NC on August 6, 2026. She was the 4th child of 9 born to Guilford and Gennett Council Best. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Ethel will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and humor. She spent many happy days in her kitchen and cherished time with her family and grandchildren. Her early livelihood was spent in Snow Hill, NC where she received her education from Greene County Training School.

A dedicated and hardworking woman, Ethel spent over 20 years caring for others as a housekeeper for Bromley’s Oil Company, where her commitment and kind spirit left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Ethel was a devoted and steadfast member of Christian Fellowship Last Day OFWB Church in Richmond, Virginia. She served faithfully under the leadership of Pastor Vinson Morrisey, consistently demonstrating her commitment to her faith, her church family, and the ministry she loved. Her dedication and service left a lasting impact on all who worshiped alongside her.

She was preceded in death by her parents the late Guilford and Gennette Council Best; her husband Charlie May, her three sons Charlie (CJ) May, Jr., Richard (Spooky) May, and Wilbert May. Her siblings – Guilford (Babe) Best, Jr., John Best, William (Lil Bud) Best, Ruby Best Jossaint, Edna Ruth Suggs and Robert Earl Best.

She is survived by her loving children: Doris Hoskins (Britt) of Elizabeth City, North Carolina; Phyllis Broadnax of Norfolk, Virginia; and Joyce Johnson (Rodney) of Riverside, California. She is also survived by her devoted siblings: Sarah Bazemore of Baltimore, Maryland; and Thomas Best of Richmond, Virginia, and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and neighbors who knew and loved her.