Karen May
Karen Elizabeth (Richter) May entered this world on November 12, 1964, and entered heaven on November 12, 2018 on her 54th birthday, surrounded by the love and support of so many.
Karen is survived by her husband David May III; children: Hillary, Ryan and Brandyn May; her parents, Dick and Ronnie Richter; brothers: Richard (Donna) Richter, Jay (Alice) Richter and Stephen (Lynda) Richter; parents-in-law: David May Jr. and Linda May; sister-in-law, Darlia (Brian) Clark, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews on both the May and Richter sides.
Karen was born in Newport News, Va., and moved several times as a child before finding her true home in Cleveland. She graduated from Cleveland High School, lettering four years in basketball. During that time, she met her lifelong love, David May. She attended and graduated Lee University on Basketball Scholarship. Later, she earned a master's degree from Tusculum University. Her dominance and tenacity on the basketball court were rewarded with several longstanding records as well as her 2016 induction in the Bradley County Old Timer's Hall of Fame.
After college, she married David and they began their life together. She began a teaching careeer that started in the Bradley County School System and continued homeschooling her children, including becoming the president of the Bradley County Homeschool Association. Along with homeschooling, she played a vital role in the family business “3D Construction.” She poured her heart and life into her husband and children.To say she was active in her church and the faith community would be an understatement. She was actively involved in childrens, youth, and college ministries at Mt. Olive as well as the Emmaus Community. The sharing of her faith and caring for others were hallmarks of her life. If you knew Karen, you know she did everything wholeheartedly, especially when it came to loving God and others well.
Karen's life will be celebrated on Thursday, Nov. 15, starting with a 12 p.m. graveside service conducted by Pastor James Sears at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 7180 N Lee Hwy Cleveland, Tn. 37311.
From 3-7 p.m., the family will receive friends at Mt. Olive Ministries 3522 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, Tn. 37311.
At 7 p.m., a celebration of her life will be held with Pastor Richard Richter, Pastor Gary Sears, Pastor Russell Hall, and Pastor Kevin McHann officiating. Pallbearers will be Jay Richter, Stephen Richter, R. Lee Richter, Jackson Richter, Mike Crittenden, Sim Wilson, Jonathan Crittenden, and Mark Sparks. Honorary pallbearers will be LH20 Student Ministry students and Ignite College Ministry students.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Mt. Olive Ministries' “His Word Studios” Children's Ministry at https://pushpay.com/g/mtolivecog?src=hpp or by sending a check to 3522 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, Tn. 37311 with the memo “Karen May Memorial.”
You are encouraged to share a memory of Karen and/or your personal condolences with her family by visiting her memorial web page and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com.
Companion Funeral Home is honored to assist the Karen’s family with these arrangements.