Edna Mae Mays, 91, of Walnut Hill, passed away Thursday, November 28, 2024, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia, with her sons by her side.
She was born January 10, 1933, in Walnut Hill, Illinois, the daughter of Charles and Gladys (Thompson) Timmons. On October 6, 1950, she married Carl Mays, and he preceded her in death in 2002.
Edna never had a dull day. She raised four “Red” headed boys that brought home every stray they could imagine, raccoons, foxes, skunks, hawks, dogs and cats, but never snakes. She drew the line at snakes. Her sons said they would take care of the “pets,” but Edna was always the one who did it. Her husband, Carl, loved practical jokes, and was always full of pranks for Edna and the boys. Edna was a thoughtful and caring stay-at-home mom until all the boys were raised, and then spent the next thirty years working at the Blue Goose Liquor Store. In her retirement years, she loved to feed her birds and wild deer. She kept driving until her 91st Birthday and always had to stop at Sonic for a #9, with tater tots.
Edna is survived by two sons, Danny Mays and fiancée Misti Pawlisa of Centralia, and Jack Mays of Centralia; and sister, Ruth Ann Copeland and husband Lanny of Walnut Hill.
In addition to her husband, Carl Mays, she was preceded in death by two sons, Joe and David Mays; and her parents, Charles and Gladys Timmons.
In accordance with her wishes, private burial services for Mrs. Mays will be held at the Mays Family Cemetery. There will be no public services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Centralia Humane Society or the Fireside House Activity Fund, and will be received by mail to the Osborn Funeral Home, P.O. Box 130, Dix, Illinois 62830. Online condolences may be made at www.osbornfuneral.com, or on the Osborn Funeral Home Facebook page.
