It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Joyce "Richardson" May on February 20, 2026 in Bowie, Tx.

She was born on May 16, 1929 to Harvey and Auda Richardson in Salona, Texas.  On May 14, 1953 she married Gordan B. May.  They were happily married for 39 years until Gordon's death in 1992.

 She graduated from Bowie High School in 1946 and was the 2nd oldest Alumni living at the time of her death. Joyce was saved during a revival at First Baptist Church in Stoneburg, Texas in 1947. After graduation, she began working for Southwestern Bell in Bowie. When the Bowie office closed, she transferred to the Gainesville office. When that office closed, she transferred to the Abilene office. She later moved to the SW Bell office in Hurst where she continued to work until 1986 when she retired with 40 years of service.

Joyce filled the lives of her loved ones with joy, love and precious memories. Joyce was defined by her sharp mind and extraordinary memory. Joyce was a born care giver, throughout most of her life she cared and helped members of her family by caring for the sick, babysitting the young ones, and once flying to London to help when family there was sick. She was an ardent lover and maker of desserts and candy such as divinity and peanut brittle and her Banana Bread was loved by many. Joyce enriched her life and those around her with her stories of growing up, or memories they shared together. Joyce loved to engage in crosswords and craft making. Her handmade gifts were sought after by friends and family. She continued to work on these projects while living at Independence Hall the last 6 months of her life. Her vacations were marked by travels to London, Colorado, Hawaii and many memorable road trips with her son Larry visiting all fifty states.

Joyce was preceded in death by her loving spouse, Gordon May; her beloved son, Larry Gordon May; her brothers, Doyle Richardson and H.A. Richardson; and her sisters, JoAnn Stone and Jean Bridgwater.

She is survived by her sister, Patsy Plaxco and husband Ellis; nieces, Linda Cunningham and husband Gary, Nancy Harrison and husband Dave, Delaina Westwood-Booth and husband Jack, Tammy Brown and husband Darrell, Julie Henderson and husband Steve, and Jennifer Mingee and husband Robert; nephews, Jerry Richardson and wife Laverne, Bobby Stone and partner Jose’ Rodriguez, Ronny Stone and wife Sherry, Steve Plaxco and wife, Missy; great-niece Joanna Westwood-Booth and many more great-nieces and nephews; and numerous great-great nieces and nephews who all loved their “Aunt Joyce”. Joyce's legacy is the testament of a life well lived, filled with the love of family and the rewards of hard work. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends and all those whose lives were touched by her warmth and kindness.

A memorial service celebrating Joyce's life will be held on March 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM with a luncheon and a 2:00 PM graveside service at Salona Cemetery in Salona, Texas. All those who wish to pay their respects are invited to attend and honor the life of a wonderful woman.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the employees of Independence Hall and ReNew Home Health

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salona Cemetery. Salona Cemetery % Larry Richardson, 4257 FM 1758, Bowie, Texas 76230.

Joyce's legacy is the testament of a life well lived, filled with the love of family and the rewards of hard work. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends and all those whose lives were touched by her warmth and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the                                                                                                                                                         Salona Cemetery,   c/o Larry Richardson  4257 FM 1758  Bowie, Tx 76230

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