Narvel Briggs May is the second child of thirteen to Rev. William and Emma Langdon Briggs, born October 12, 1929, in Drew County, Arkansas. At an early age, Narvel confessed her belief that Jesus died on the cross, rose from the dead and lives today in all of our lives. By her teenage years, she was no stranger to hard work; she helped cook, clean, raise her younger siblings, pick cotton, and whatever else "my daddy told me to do" on and off the farm for the family.
After completing her first year in college, her father told her she needed to leave school so he could send her brother; he couldn't afford two kids in college at the same time. She begged her dad that if he'd let her stay, she'd get a job and put herself through college. He agreed, she got a job as a babysitter and maid and graduated with her Bachelor's Degree in Education from Arkansas AM&N, now known as UAPB. She immediately began teaching elementary students in Monticello, AR, and moved to Lake Village, AR where she taught at Central Elementary School until retirement. School administrators saw an astonishing result from Narvel's students; those assigned to her who scored below the reading level at the start of the school year were scoring on or above the reading level at school year-end! Because of this gift, the school district aggressively pursued her to come out of retirement and teach reading again.
She married the man of her dreams, Wilbert A. May, on April 16, 1954. Her father officiated the ceremony at his home. From their marriage, she bore two children, one on her own birthday.
Narvel is preceded in death by her husband of over 57 years, Wilbert May, her parents, Rev. William and Emma Briggs, her stepson, Earl May, her brothers, Earl, Curtis, Adrian, Virgil, and Ernest Briggs and her sisters Willie Mae Briggs Ferrell, and Thelma Briggs.
She leaves to cherish her memories her daughter, Carneval Bellamy (Gilbert) and son, Edwin May (Tanya) both of Grand Prairie, Texas; her four granddaughters Choya Graves (Charles), Jardin, Jacqueline, all of Grand Prairie, Texas and Yonne Cowans (Anthony) of San Antonio, Texas; her four great-grandchildren Synai, Brooklyn, Xavier, and Londyn; her brothers Edward (Earline) of Acton, Massachusetts, Jesse (Lucille) of Mt. Morris, Michigan, William, Jr (Nora) of Dermott, Arkansas, and Bennie Jo of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and her sister, Gladys Briggs of Chicago, Illinois. She also leaves to cherish her memories a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, and friends.
The family asks to please keep in mind social distancing while in the Chapel
Condolences(26)
Tanya
Grand Prairie, TX Saturday, December 17, 2022 After two years, your absence is still so strongly missed. You were an incredible mother-in-law and we miss you terribly. We praise God for all the memories.Sandra Tyler
Mansfield, TX Sunday, December 20, 2020 We the Tylers offer our sincerest condolences on the loss of your Mom. Mrs. May was one of the most regal ladies i have ever known. Classy and classic. I saw her and your Dad every Sunday at New Hope attending Sunday School. Always kind and gentle. May GOD bless and keep you during this time of mourning.The Tylers of Lake Village, Ar.
Anthony Cowans
SAN ANTONIO, TX Saturday, December 19, 2020 Granny I love and miss you very much. Thanks for all the laughter and good times we shared!jackqualin sterrett
Lake Village, AR Saturday, December 19, 2020 you all are in the Sterrett family PraysRandy Brown
Arlington, TX Friday, December 18, 2020 Mrs. May,As one of your students and church members, My life is richer due to the seeds that you have planted. Now for your heavenly reward and the reunion with your loved ones. Thank you and bless you and your family.
Aline Jackson
Sherwood, AR Friday, December 18, 2020 Our heartfelt sympathy to the family. We are deeply sorry for your loss. Please find comfort in the love of family and friends. You will surely make it through. Sincerely, Aline Jackson and Armstead Williams.Gwendolyn Armour
Lake Village, AR Friday, December 18, 2020 We will be there inside my vehicleEvelyn Woods
Montrose, AR Friday, December 18, 2020 My deepest heart felt sympathy to you and your family for a great loss. May you receive comfort in God's word.For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.(Philippians 1:21)
"Much Love" EJW
Dorothy Gillis Lucas
, AR Friday, December 18, 2020 Mrs. May was a wonderful role model and a beautiful person. I learned so much and now heaven has another wonder angel. Rest In PeaceGod be with the family
Vernell Wilson, Sr. & Family
Montrose, AR Friday, December 18, 2020 Our heartfelt sympathy to Mrs. Mays entire family. Carneval & Ed, know that the love of God shall always keep you as well as the love and memories that each one of you shared with your mom will make you smile. Friends & classmates, Earnestine, Val, Dewitt & Stephanie WilsonBetty Porter Adams
Lake Village, AR Thursday, December 17, 2020 My Sincere Condolences to the family! I pray that God’s Grace will comfort all of you doing this time! Mrs. May was my fifth grade teacher, and I will forever remember her teaching! It is my prayer that you find comfort and peace doing the loss of this great lady who left her mark of education to many children. Love you all!Effie Hadley Frazier
Salem, OR Thursday, December 17, 2020 “What the world needs now is love sweet love”Should you love the people in your life, like you've never loved before? Should you treat others with more respect and more often wear a smile? Remember that your special dash may only last a little while.
Your sister for life.
Effie.
Sandra Avery Moore
Little Rock, AR Thursday, December 17, 2020 Prayers for the family.Bruce Brown
MONTICELLO, AR Thursday, December 17, 2020 So sorry for your loss. Many good thoughts & memories of your family in LV. Mr. May & my Dad worked together for ExtensionJacqueline Johnson
Houston, TX Wednesday, December 16, 2020 I always admired your mother’s caring and selfless nature. My deepest condolences to you and your family during this time. Praying that God comforts you and give you the peace that surpasses all understanding.Edwin & Tanya May
Grand Prairie, TX Wednesday, December 16, 2020 Mom,When tomorrow starts without you, we’ll find comfort in the fact that you are in God’s care and Pop’s embrace. We thank God for the time we had with you. You taught us so much and we’ve been richly blessed under your tutorage. We are grateful for your constant prayers over our lives. You have given us a solid foundation and a legacy of strength, courage, character and unselfish love for others. We love and miss you. Give Pop a big hug from us!
Bessie Russell Igbere
LITTLE ROCK, AR Wednesday, December 16, 2020 You have my heartfelt thoughts and prayers. She was a good role model and lived a Christ-like life and now in a better place. May she rest in peace.Leroy & Earlene Bellamy
Orlando, FL Wednesday, December 16, 2020 Gone on to Glory! Now in the bosom of Abraham.Had the pleasure of meeting this lovely lady.
Yonné Cowans
San Antonio, TX Wednesday, December 16, 2020 Love and miss you my sweet granny!Love,
Yonné
Charles Graves
Grand Praire, TX Wednesday, December 16, 2020 Job well done GG. Now your rest can begin and I love you.Jacqueline May
Grand Prairie, TX Wednesday, December 16, 2020 I will miss you so much, Granny! I love you.Gilbert Bellamy
Grand Prairie, TX Wednesday, December 16, 2020John 14:3
3
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Carneval Bellamy
Grand Prairie, TX Wednesday, December 16, 2020 Miss you already mommy!! Love, CapeBrooklyn Gentry
Grande Prairie, TX Wednesday, December 16, 2020 I miss and love you GGSynai Gentry
Grand Prairie, TX Wednesday, December 16, 2020 I miss and love you so much GG!!Choya Graves
Grand Prairie, TX Wednesday, December 16, 2020 I miss you so much mama! I hope I have made you proud. I love you. Give granddaddy kisses and hugs for me!