It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Dorothy May Ballard, affectionately known as “Dottie” and “Nana” to the many who adored her.

Dorothy was born on April 2, 1941, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Ellen Walker and James May Sr. She grew up in North Philadelphia and graduated from William Penn High School. She had deep roots in the church and sang in the choir alongside her sisters. Together, they shared their singing talents as a group called The May Sisters.

After high school, Dorothy attended trade school for administrative work and accounting. She began her 25-year career as an Auditor with the U.S. Department of the Navy in Washington, D.C., where she earned multiple accolades for her dedication and service. After retiring, she never slowed down—working in retail and later at her sister Molly’s daycare center, where she poured her patience, love, and care into the next generation.

Dorothy was the first of her siblings to leave Philadelphia to build a new life in Washington, D.C. She later moved to Prince George’s County, Maryland, where she and her sister Molly Smith planted roots that became the heart of the Ballard family, spanning four generations. Her values were clear: the importance of putting family first, celebrating life’s moments together, getting a good education and working hard, giving back in some way, and living your life with integrity and joy.

Dorothy was an anchor in all of her grandchildren’s lives and shared a special bond with Rochelle and La’Shawn, whose childhood was shaped and strengthened by Nana’s steady care, wisdom, and unconditional love. She led by example—showing them what it meant to be confident and fiercely independent, and teaching them to live a life guided by their own choices and the values she instilled. She was more than a grandmother; she was their foundation.

Dorothy loved to have a good time with her family and friends. On the dance floor, you could find her hand dancing, line dancing, or showing off her signature Philly moves. She loved cooking, baking, and sitting down for a good meal at Red Lobster or Outback Steakhouse. She loved watching action movies and shows such as "Walker, Texas Ranger" and would frequently comment throughout in Nana’s unique, animated way. She also enjoyed taking her grandchildren bowling, shopping for clothes, and going on road trips with them to Emporia, Virginia, where she visited her best friend, Ms. Ella Seaborn, and her family.

Her smile could light up a room, and her laughter was contagious. She had a sharp sense of humor that never faded, even through her many health challenges. She approached every day with grace and gratitude, often remarking, “I don’t know why the good Lord kept me here, but I’m just blessed to see another day!”

The last years of Dorothy’s life, she lived with her sister Molly and was blessed to spend each day with her. Together, they enjoyed going to church, watching movies, and celebrating precious moments, birthdays, and holidays with the rest of the family.

Dorothy was called home on October 1, 2025. She follows her father, James May Sr.; mother, Ellen May; brothers Samuel May, Howard and James Jr.; and sister Lillie Bumpers. She is survived by her sister Molly Smith; daughters Romona Ballard and Sharon Howard; eight grandchildren—Keisha Ballard, Keva Ballard (Lee Stephenson), Rochelle Stewart (Shelley Stewart III), Keyana Ballard, La’Shawn Lancaster (Leo Lancaster), David Holland (Melissa Holland), Jussten Canty, and Deonte Smith (Lauryn Gray); fourteen great-grandchildren—KeShawn, RaShawn, Kyre, Nick, Kristen, Kaiden, Kyle, Jada, Jose (“Junior”), Aliyah, Shelley IV, Ellis, Hamlin, and Serena; a loving circle of close family sisters (Eleanor Kennedy), nieces and nephews; and especially her devoted nephew, Tony Thompson, whose steady support and presence brought her comfort and strength.

With her passing, Dorothy leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and generosity that will live on through her family. She was comforted by their love and support until her peaceful transition. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Kettering Baptist Church in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, followed by a memorial service at Harmony Memorial Park.

Flowers and sympathy gifts may be sent to the church or to the family home in Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Nana’s Memorial Fund, where donations will be made in her honor: everloved.com/life-of/dorothy…

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