Miriam May of Magee, Mississippi

On October 30th 2020, Miriam May, age 76, passed away peacefully at her home in Magee, MS and with that, the world lost one of its great storytellers. Born to William Albert May and Eleanor Caughman May on April 21, 1944, Miriam was a free spirit who would go on to live a life much bigger than the small town in which she spent most of it, and dearly loved.

A 1962 graduate of Magee High School, Miriam went on to attend college at the University of Southern Mississippi. An avid reader, Miriam was never at a loss for words — and she had a way with them. Her natural talent for writing would lead her to become the features writer and food editor for The Jackson Daily News, a position that she held for fourteen years and one that would afford her the opportunity to interview a number of iconic celebrities and entertainers, and to
attend culinary conventions all across the United States. For a time, Miriam served Millcreek
Rehabilitation Center in Magee, and later, Magee General Hospital in a public relations capacity before returning to her one true love — the written word. She served as a staff writer for The
Magee Courier in the ten years prior to her retirement, where she was well-known for her weekly opinion column.

In her spare time, Miriam composed several written pieces that were published in national

magazines such as Southern Living and The Upper Room. She also enjoyed art and woodworking and many of her creations were featured in the children’s literature section of the Magee Public Library for a time. Well-traveled in her earlier years, she often shared stories and photos of the six weeks she spent touring the Kenyan region of Africa, a trip that she considered to be a true highlight in her life. To the general public she was an accomplished writer, photographer, and artist. To her family and friends she was a humble historian, a nature-lover, a devoted pet parent to her beloved cats and dogs, and someone that everyone turned to when they needed to know a little something about nearly everything.

Miriam was preceded in death by her father and mother; a niece, Kim Holbrook; and a

great-nephew, Tyler Scott Wallace. She is survived by her sister, Kathryn Ann Wallace and her brother William David May, both of Magee. She also leaves behind a nephew, Scott Wallace (Pat), of Magee; a niece, Leigh Wallace Cameron (D.C.), of Purvis; a great-nephew Hayden
Holbrook (Allison), of Magee; great-nieces: Hollie Holbrook, of Austin TX, Emily and Kaci
Wallace, both of Magee, and Ellie Cameron, of Purvis; and great-great niece and nephew, Kaylee and Daxton Holbrook, of Magee.

Arrangements are as follows: Visitation will be held at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Magee, MS on Monday Nov. 2nd from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm, immediately followed by a graveside service at Magee City Cemetery.