Dorothy Lou Mays

Dorothy Lou Smith Mays was born on January 1, 1936 in Batesville, Mississippi to the union of Morris and Lillian Smith. She was the second of four children born to that union. Dorothy attended school in Batesville, Mississippi. She professed Christ at an early age uniting with Viney Creek Baptist Church.

Dorothy was blessed with three wonderful sons. Michael Leland, Marshall Leland and Bobby Clinton Smith. In 1974, Dorothy met the the love of her life, her husband, Percy Mays with whom she spent the next 49 years until her death temporarily separated them.

Dorothy Enjoyed spending time with family, engaging in activities such as back yard barbecues and Sunday Dinners. Dorothy was an extremely gifted seamstress and interior decorator and once owned her own business making custom draperies. Dorothy's strong work ethic led her to working well into her seventies in customer service where she enjoyed interacting with people.

Dorothy was preceded in her death by her parents Morris and Lillian Smith, her sister Daisy Mae Ford and brother Clester Smith, and her son Bobby Clinton Smith.

She leaves to cherish her memory; her devoted husband Percy Mays; her sons Michael Leland and Marshall (Marsha) Leland; her sister and Marcus (Mariah) Cmapbell; Dorothy was a very involved Grandmother actively involved in the rearing of several of her grandchildren; Grandsons; Mario LeLand, Christopher Leland (Trish), Marlon Leland (Necole), Cecil James, DOnald Martrell Maiden. Grandaughters: Tenesha Harvey, Crystal Meridith, Alexis (Janoe) Leland-Kalawa, Danielle Leland, Katlin Maiden, Latoria Maiden as well as a Host of Great Grandchildren and Great-Great Grandchildren; and Many Many Friends and Extended Family.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.