Betty Ely May

On Monday June 12, 2023, Mrs. Betty Ely May passed away unexpectedly at her residence. Born on March 17, 1934, in Sykesville, Maryland, she was the daughter of the late Carroll & Polly Ely and for 64 years was the beloved wife of the late Thomas L. May who passed in March 2020. Betty graduated from Sykesville High School and Peabody Prep in 1952. In 1957, she graduated from Western Maryland College and went onto teach music in Carroll County for 30 years, first at Sykesville High School and then at Eldersburg Elementary School. Betty was a life-long member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church where, at age 12, she joined the adult choir and was appointed Assistant Organist. At age 19, she was asked to lead the adult choir and was appointed St. Paul’s Music Director and faithfully volunteered in that position for 64 consecutive years. Upon her retirement in June of 2019, she received the well-earned title of St. Paul’s Director of Music Emeritus. She is survived by her loving son Steven T. May and wife, Myrna, granddaughter Kristen May Reid & her husband Garret, and grandson Alex May. She is also survived by her dear sister Carol Ann Rains and her family: Gary C. Rains, Neil A. Rains & Michelle, Paula Rains, Greats: Matthew Rains & Katie, Sarah Rains Delaney & James, and Megan Rains. Great-Greats: Thomas & Eleanor Delaney, Weston Rains, and Levi Nicastro. She was predeceased by nephew Brian D. Rains A viewing will be held Sunday June 18, 2023, from 2pm until 5pm at the Haight Funeral Home & Chapel, 6416 Sykesville Road, Sykesville. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday June 19, 2023, 11.a.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 7538 Main Street, Sykesville, Maryland 21784. Interment will follow in Springfield Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Betty’s name to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Permanent Endowment Fund. The Celebration of Life service will be broadcasted live and can be accessed via the following:-Online Worship Live Stream St. Paul's UMC Sykesville, MD (stpaulssykesville.com) Facebook & Youtube: St. Paul’s UMC Sykesville.

Betty Ely May

March 17, 1934 - June 12, 2023