Erlene Marie Cooke May of Sanford, NC left this Earth to be with our Heavenly Father on Wednesday, November 1, 2017. She was 88 years young.

Erlene was born March 20, 1929 in Rockingham County, North Carolina to her parents, Lester D. and Lillie M. Cooke. She attended Deep River Schools and later married Ernest E. May on March 17, 1951. Erlene and Ernest lived in several different places due to Ernest being in the military. Together they raised four children. Erlene worked at various jobs, waitressing and doing factory work. She left the public workforce at approximately 66 years of age. Her all-time favorite and most enjoyable employment was being “Nannie” to Ryan and Reice Wilder.

Erlene was a caring and giving woman. She loved small children and fried potatoes. She attended First Wesleyan Church in Sanford, NC. Erlene enjoyed shopping and spending time with family and friends.

Erlene is survived by her sister, Shirley Cooke Eddins of Sanford, NC; her daughter, Landy May Broadway of Sherwood, AR; her son and daughter-in-law, Eddie and Fran May of Elizabeth City, NC; her son, William May of Sanford, NC; her daughter, Debbie May Hickman of Sanford, NC; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ernest; her brothers, Calvin and Douglas Cooke; and her niece, Vickie Pruitt Fulton.

The family will receive friends Saturday, November 4, 2017 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Bridges-Cameron Funeral Home.  A graveside service will follow at 2:00 PM at Lee Memory Gardens. All are welcome to attend and celebrate the life of this beautiful woman.

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