Gail (Williamson) May

SALEM - Beloved spouse, mother, and grandmother, Gail May passed away peacefully at home in Salem, Ohio on April 11, 2024, from congestive heart failure. She was born in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania on October 5, 1937, to E. H. Williamson and Elva Ruth Williamson.

She and her father were avid skeet shooters and eventually Gail became the Pennsylvania Jr. Women's State Champion.

Upon graduating from Mt. Lebanon high school in Pittsburgh, PA, Gail attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri.  Stephens College had their own railway car for students and when Gail arrived, she was greeted by a nearby college student, Larry May, who offered to assist her with her luggage. They fell in love and four years later, on February 1, 1958, they were married in the Episcopal Church in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania.

On July 20, 1959, Gail gave birth to their firstborn Kimberley Gail, followed by daughters Brenda “Lynn” December 28,1960, and Cynthia Lee and Sandra Beth, (identical twins) on August 12, 1962, all born in Pittsburgh, PA. Gail cared for the young family while Larry was traveling for work as a General Manager.  The family was transferred and promoted 9 times during the first 13 years of their marriage! Gail was a hard-working stay-at-home mother.  After the girls were situated in school and capable of caring for themselves, Gail was a successful employment counselor and later travel agent.  She was a long-time volunteer at the Almost New Shop in Salem. She especially enjoyed spending time at her cottage in Ontario, Canada every summer with her children and grandchildren.

She leaves behind her husband, Larry of 66 years; a sister, Jackie Cronenberg; four daughters; six grandchildren - Amelia Gail Mead, Madeline May McKee, Liam Austin McKee, Emma May Beers, Robert Austin Beers, and Max Andrew Gordon. 

Her body was donated to the Cleveland Clinic for medical science and cremation. Her ashes will be taken to her cottage and Bolivar Polk Co., MO, (Larry's hometown).

Gail “Grammy”, we know you are at home with God, but we will all miss you terribly.   

A memorial service will be conducted Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church with calling hours from 11:00 a.m.-12 Noon with a Holy Communion Service beginning at 12 Noon conducted by Rev. Aimee Raymond and music by Vincent Anderson.

If unable to attend, join our complimentary "Hugs from Home" program at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home.

Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

To view Gail’s obituary, send condolences, or order flowers visit www.starkmemorial.com.

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