Joan Marie May

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joan Marie O’Connell May, 81, a beloved member of the Tifton community, peacefully departed from her residence on July 1, 2024. 

Joan was born in Woburn, Massachusetts on September 17, 1942 to the late John Joseph O’Connell and Irene Thelma Correia O’Connell.

 In remembrance of Joan's life, visitation and rosary services will be held on Friday, July 5, 2024, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at Albritton Funeral Directors in Tifton. A Mass celebrating her life will follow on Saturday, July 6, 2024, starting at 11:00 AM at Our Divine Saviour Church Catholic Church with Father Peter Oyenugba officiating. Interment will follow at Oakridge Cemetery.

Knights of Columbus will serve as pallbearers.

 Joan dedicated ten years of her life to nurturing young minds as a Kindergarten and Pre-K school teacher for the Tift Board of Education. She was known for warm and gentle demeanor, leaving a lasting impact on all those she taught. Her decision to further her education later in life is a testament to her unyielding determination and passion for learning. Joan went back to school at the age of fifty-four and proudly graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor's degree in Education.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Joan will be remembered as an exceptional cook who raised four boys with love and care. Her memories will forever linger in the hearts of those who knew her best.

Joan's proudest accomplishment was being a devoted member of Our Divine Saviour Catholic Church in Tifton. Her faith was a guiding light throughout her life, shaping her into the compassionate individual she was known to be. Her kindness and legacy will continue to inspire us all.

Along with her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her husband Spencer T. May, her son Kevin May and her sisters, Mary, Pat and Eilene. She is survived by her loving sons and daughters-in-law, Stephen and Sonya May, Brian and Ashley May all of Tifton, and Matthew May of Tucson, Arizona; cherished grandchildren - Jacob May, Jamie May, Joshua May, Caleb May, Lauren May, Natalie May, Haley May, and Emily May; adored great-grandchildren - Maemarie Hilton, Brady Hilton, Riley May, Julie May and Parker May; as well as her brother Jackie O'Connell.

                                                                                        Albritton Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.