Blanche Mays

Mrs. Blanche Ernestine Sanford Mays of Charlotte, North Carolina was born May 7, 1932 and transitioned to Glory early on Monday morning, September 12, 2022 at the Tucker Hospice House in Kannapolis, North Carolina, following a lingering illness.  She was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee and was the youngest of ten children.  Blanche Mays was raised in the AME Zion Church. After relocating to New York City, Calvary AME Zion Church was her first church home. Being obedient to her mother, she transferred her membership to Sojourner Truth AME Zion Church in Saint Albans to help the pastor build his church. Her children and grandchildren also made Sojourner Truth their church home.  Mother Mays, as she was affectionately called, was a devout member. She joined the Trustee Board, Senior Choir, Kitchen Ministry and was a Class Leader.  She aided any organization that needed her help.  She loved the Lord and always encouraged her children, “Whatever you do, keep God first.”  When speaking about her home going service, she would say, “Those that know me know my life,” “I don’t want any moaning at my funeral,” “don’t anybody wear black” and “I don’t want any flowers because everyone gave them to me while I lived.”  Everyone she met, and those that simply crossed her path loved this beautiful lady.  She was blessed to be called Mom, Mother, Aunt Tina, Nana, Grandma, Cousin, Mother Mays, friend or neighbor.  Whatever loving name you called her, you knew she was there for you.  Always showing compassion, love, comfort, or words of encouragement she was there to help in your time of need. It could have been a meal because you were hungry, shelter, or an ear to listen while you worked things out.  When asked “Mom how can you do all this and care for your family?”  She would reply, with her favorite phrase “To God Be The Glory.”  Blanche Mays is survived by her seven children, Charlotte Long, Eyvonne Jenkins (Samuel), Pamela Jones, Luleen Stigger (Joseph), Alan Mays, Andrea Mays and Kevin Mays. Her son Kenneth Mays preceded her in death.  She was blessed with 26 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grands.  She shared a special bond with her niece, Elsie Turner, her nephew, Merrill Martin and her cousin, Queen Ester Tiller. She is also survived by a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends. Blanche was raised in a God fearing, loving, close knit family.  She raised her own family in that same spirit. That legacy will continue on through her generational line.  Philippians 1:9-11 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense to the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.  Her Homegoing Service will be held at 11:00 A.M., on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at the Restlawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum Chapel, 6605 New Hope Road in Bluewell, West Virginia.  Interment will follow in Restlawn Memorial Gardens.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M. in the Chapel.  Services entrusted to Gregory-Page Funeral Home in Welch, West Virginia.