Wilhelmina (Butcher) May, 84

SMYRNA - Wilhelmina (Butcher) May, of Smyrna, daughter of the late Thomas J. Butcher and Sarah Frances (Blackston) Butcher, was called home to be with her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, April 16, 2008, while surrounded by her loving family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her only sister, Durena Butcher Harris; and four brothers, Julius, Carlton, Hurley and Leon Butcher.

Wilhelmina was born July 2, 1923, in Smyrna.

She attended school in the Smyrna/Dover area.

She was united in holy matrimony on Jan. 29, 1955, to Calvin C. May, which from this union Rubeon and Linda were born.

Wilhelmina was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and homemaker.

In her later years she was employed by the state of Delaware, from which she retired.

Her favorite pastimes included serving, cooking, baking, shopping, listening to gospel music and taking rides out.

She always played an essential role in the nurturing of her grandchildrens' and great-grandchildrens' lives.

In addition to raising her family, Wilhelmina, along with her husband and deceased sister, were instrumental in raising several of their nieces and nephews, which included Carolyn Holden, Bonnie Brown, Leon Butcher Jr., Gordon Butcher and Thomas Butcher, all of Wilmington, Leona Green of Houston, Texas, and Bronwlyn B. Haman and Lorna B. Archer, both of whom are deceased.

She leaves to cherish her memories her husband, Calvin C. May of Smyrna; son and daughter-in-law, Rubeon C. May and Dorothy of Dover; daughter, Linda M. Anderson of Smyrna; brother, Doman Butcher of Wilmington; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-laws; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 235 E. Commerce St., Smyrna, where a viewing will be 9 to 11 a.m.

Interment will be at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Smyrna.

Any contributions may be made in memory of Mrs. May to Delaware Hospice or Bethel A.M.E. Church.