Constance Johnston May

June 17, 1947 – April 6, 2024

It is with profound sadness that the family of Connie May announces her peaceful passing on April 6, 2024, at her home in Homewood, Alabama. Connie, or Connie Sue as she was known by many in her family, was born to Raleigh and Marie Johnston in Logan, West Virginia. At the age of 12, she moved to Van Nuys, California, along with her parents, brothers and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Connie had numerous humorous stories about 16 people living in a 1-bathroom house for several weeks after their arrival in California.

During the next 10 years in Van Nuys, Connie attended Birmingham High School where she excelled academically and was a member of the drill team. She actively participated in the youth groups at the local United Methodist Church. Connie told numerous stories about the fun that was had at youth group activities, including annual trips to various locations in southern California. After graduation Connie made a memorable trip to Israel and other middle eastern countries with members of her church youth group.

After high school, Connie attended California Western University in San Diego, California where she majored in elementary education, completing the 5-year program to become a certified teacher. It was here she met Lyle May, a Canadian who played baseball at Cal Western. Connie quickly became a regular at home baseball games and during her senior year agreed to marry Lyle.

Connie and Lyle were married in Reseda, California on February 21, 1970. Their “honeymoon” consisted of a drive to Vancouver, British Columbia towing a small trailer that held most of their worldly possessions. That was the beginning of a 54-year adventure that included moves from Vancouver to Camden, Alabama to Montgomery, Alabama to Deerwood, Minnesota, back to Vancouver, back to Montgomery, and finally to retirement in Pelham and Homewood, Alabama (part of the Greater Birmingham area).

In addition to turning new houses into loving homes, Connie was an active member of each new community throughout the family’s moves. She held several teaching positions, created women’s investment clubs in 3 different locations, served as president of the Newcomers Club in Montgomery, and was an active member in the church at all stops. During the second time in Montgomery, Connie began working at a travel agency and started her own company “Tours by Connie”. She led groups on trips to Alaska, California, New Orleans and on several cruises. Connie’s favorite trip was her signature tour to New York after the Christmas lights went up each fall.

While living in Camden, Connie’s daughter Tracy Leigh was born, and caring for Tracy became her primary focus and passion. Connie showed the same passion for caring again with the births of grandchildren Bree and Jackson. “Gran” was there to help after both their births and as the they grew. Connie loved to spend time with Bree and Jackson. Some of her favorite activities were baking with Bree, decorating cookies at Christmas and eggs and Easter, and watching/talking through movies with Jackson.

Connie is survived by Lyle, her husband of 54 years, her daughter Tracy, son-in-law Nathan Hain and their children Bree and Jackson, her brother Rick and his wife Fabiola and their children Lura, Leighanna and Rick, her brother Paige and his wife Alida and their children Cory and Stacy, and brother-in-law Ralph and his wife Shirley and their children Randy, Heather and Lisa.

A celebration of a life well lived will be held at a later date. At Connie’s request it will be a small service for immediate family. If desired, memorial donations may be made to your local Habitat for Humanity or the charity of your choice. Final arrangements have been entrusted to Ridout's Valley Chapel in Homewood, Alabama. Memories and condolences may be shared at ridoutsvalleychapel.com.