Naomi Estelle May

Naomi Estelle Maddox May (104) was born March 20, 1919, to Edgar and Addie Maddox. She died September 29, 2023. Naomi was proud to say she lived her entire life in Rose Bud, Arkansas, where she met and married the love of her life, John Robert May. Naomi began teaching elementary students when she was only 18. During WWII and again during the Korean War, she left the classroom to assume John Robert’s job as a rural letter carrier. After his return home, she resumed her role teaching, simultaneously attending college, nights and weekends, earning her Bachelor’s from Arkansas State Teacher’s College and her Masters from Harding University. After obtaining her library science certification, she became Rose Bud Elementary School’s first librarian. Although a broken hip led to her brief retirement in her 60s, she became a popular substitute teacher. When offered the opportunity to teach ESL, she accepted, remaining in that position until she was 91. When the school could not find a replacement, she volunteered to continue (unpaid) for another two years. She held a life-time teaching certificate. Naomi was a dedicated member of the Rose Bud United Methodist Church serving in many local and district leadership positions. She and her husband gave the land for the building and worked tirelessly in all areas of the church. Until her move to the Crossings in Searcy at the age of 99, Naomi taught Sunday School to children and adults. Naomi and John Robert were committed to improving Rose Bud. They constructed the “new’ Post Office building, donated land for the Rose Bud Fire Department, Rose Bud Town Hall, and Rose Bud Community Center. She was an award-winning quilter, creating completely hand-sewn works of art for friends and family. She was a voracious reader and enjoyed traveling. Mrs. May was often called upon to serve as a historical resource. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband John Robert, her brother, John E. Maddox and her grandson, Robert Blake Fomby. Survivors are her son, Kenneth J. May of Rose Bud, her daughter, Nancy Fomby (Tom) of Dallas, Texas, her grandson, Jordan A. May (Kerri) of Searcy, her granddaughter, Elizabeth Fomby Hall (Brian) of El Paso, Texas, and great grandchildren, Maggie and Aaron May, Caleb, Joshua, and Daniel Hall. The family would like to thank the staff of The Crossings at Riverside, with whom she shared mutual love and respect. Visitation will be at Powell Funeral Home in Searcy on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, from 5:00pm - 7:00pm. Services will be Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 10:30am, at Rose Bud United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Rose Bud United Methodist Church, 5895 Hwy 36W, Rose Bud, AR 72137 or Rose Bud Public Library, 548 AR 5, Rose Bud, AR 72137.

Naomi Estelle May

March 20, 1919 - September 29, 2023