March 6, 1938 - November 19, 2019
Obituary
Our sweet, beloved Mary Lois Mays, was born to the late Johnny and Luevertus Rodgers on March 16, 1938, in Coldwater MS. In 1955, she married Mr. Joe Louis Mays and to this union seven children were born. She confessed Christ at an early age and became a member of The Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, where she also served as an Usher until her health began to fail. She was preceded in death by her husband Mr. Joe Louis Mays, two sons: Lucas Joe Mays and Johnny Larell Mays, one daughter, Linda Joyce Fifer and one brother, Mr. Robert Rodgers. She leaves to cherish her sweet loving memory, one son, Mr. Robert Louis Mays (Sheryl) of Memphis Tennessee, three daughters: Ms. Laretha Dell Mays of Memphis, Tennessee, Ms. Mary Annice Evans of Olive Branch, Mississippi and Ms. Barbara Lynn Cathey of Longview, Texas. She also leaves a grandson that she raised as her own, Mr. Rodney Terrell Mays of Byhalia, Missippi, three sisters: Mrs. Lillian Shipp of Olive Branch, Mississippi, Mrs. Ida Lee Loving(Elroy) of St. Louis, Missouri, and Mrs. Sharon Dodson(Steve) of Cordova, Tennessee; two brothers: Mr. James L. Rodgers of Senatobia, Mississippi, and Mr. Larry McGowan (Edith) of Memphis, Tennessee; one brother-in-law, Mr. Roosevelt Wilson of Byhalia, Mississippi; twenty-three grandchildren, twenty-seven great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that loved her dearly. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the LORD, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (II Timothy 4:7-8, NIV)
Celebration of Life PROCESSIONAL The Family of Mrs. Mary Lois Mays
SCRIPTURE READING Old Testament - Pastor Steve Dodson New Testament - Minister James Lavern Rodgers PRAYER Minister Rickey Dan Pipkin CELEBRATION IN SONG The Mt. Olive Choir EXPRESSIONS (3 minutes, please) Family and Friends POEM Mr. Earnest Rico Fifer SOLO Mrs. Karen Fifer ACKNOWLEDGMENTS CELEBRATION IN SONG The Mt. Olive Choir EULOGY Pastor Willie James Taylor RECESSIONAL The Family of Mrs. Mary Lois Mays
Acknowledgment
When it seemed our loss was too great to bear, we looked up and our friends were there with flowers and words written and spoken, with smiling faces and hearts open. May God bless you for your prayers, thoughts and acts of love. ~ The Family of Mary Lois Mays ~
Active Pallbearers
Mr. Edward Rodgers Mr. James Louis Shipp Mr. Barry Shipp
Mr. Dennis Rodgers Mr. Frank Wilson Mr. Ezell Cowan
Honorary Pallbearers
Mr. Joe Lucas Mays Mr. Brandon Mays Mr. Johnathon Mays
Mr. Velarrio Mays Mr. Myron Mays Mr. Rodney Mays
Interment
The Mount Olive Cemetery
Memorial Repast The Mount Olive M. B. Church Dining Hall (Immediately Following the Burial)
Services Entrusted To
Rodgers Funeral Home 10296 Hwy 51 s Coldwater, Mississippi 38618