Annette Bernard May

Annette B. May, beloved sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died last Monday night, peacefully and in the company of loved ones. Born February 18, 1931, Mrs. May lived to age 91. From humble beginnings, Annette was first a little sister to many siblings in a large family. "We'd make our own fun," she used to say, of growing up in rural Georgia. When she was sixteen years old, she met and married her husband Bobby, a Navy serviceman who'd been coming down to see her on weekend leaves. Shortly thereafter, Annette and Bobby started a family, welcoming three daughters Bess, Margaret and later, Stephanie. As a Navy family, they lived in many cities all over the U.S. before settling down in Long Beach, CA. Annette worked at the nearby Naval Weapons Station for many years. She was a welcome and warm presence in the community, keeping the books and teaching Sunday School for the Southern Baptist Church formerly on Orange Ave. Her faith was central to her life and granted her a clear-eyed, compassionate understanding of how to be of service and how to treat others. Annette was also a joyful person. She enjoyed soft serve ice cream from McDonald's on road trips, hot coffee, breakfasts at Polly's or Coco's after church and almost anything that involved spending time with her grandchildren or great-grandchildren. She laughed with her whole body, lit rooms with her smile and kept a mischievous twinkle in her eye to let you know when you were in on something special. She is survived by her sister, Madge Cain; her daughters, Bess Mewes & Margaret Dorman; ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert May, her daughter Stephanie May-Opstad, as well as many other relatives and friends. She will be deeply missed. Services will be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at 2pm at the Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA. Please email kirsten.opstad@gmail.com for details. Condolences may be sent to the family at 6152 California Ave, Long Beach, CA 90805.

Published by Press-Telegram on Oct. 28, 2022.