Tributes

Ernell May was born to the late Fannie Mae Council and John Ira Shaw on August 6, 1952 in Pitt County. God called her to eternal rest on October 14, 2018 at Vidant Medical Center. Ernell accepted Christ at First United Pentecostal Church in Greenville NC. She later united with her husband at Anderson Chapel where she was a youth leader as well as a Deaconess. Ernell later joined Holy Temple. March 2017, she joined New Beginnings Church under the leadership of Pastor Contina Walker where she was currently serving on the Mother’s board. Ernell met the love of her life, Willie May forty-two years ago. They united in Holy Matrimony in 1991 and to this union they were blessed with five children. Ernell attended Pitt County Public Schools. At a young age Ernell had a passion to become business savvy. A hint of her first gift was recognized through her love for Christ and nurturing the youth in need. Ernell was a woman of many talents which included sewing, upholstery, and mentoring youth. Ernell’s hand at entrepreneurship included being owner operator of Nita and Nell’s Family Restaurant. In 1995 she started L & T Catering Services which is still striving today where she was known as an Event Planner and floral designer. Now one of the links to the golden girls has been broken but memories will reside in all of us. Ernell is preceded in death by her stepfather, Havert Carney Sr.; two sisters, Lois Marie Council, Patricia Person; three brothers; Donnell Council, Havert Carney Jr., Jimmy Crandall; a grandson, Christopher Jones Jr., and a nephew, Melvin Council. Ernell’s beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her loving husband, Willie Ray May of the home; three daughters, Juliet Palmer (Kenneth) of Newport News, VA, Vernita Council-Howard (Wallace) of Greenville, NC, Shaniya Brown of the home; three sons, Antonio Council and Vantonio Council of the home, George Best of Atlanta, GA; six godchildren, Jerik Jackson, Laderick Salisbury, Tiffany Howard all of Greenville, NC, Elizabeth Mercer of Farmville, NC, Lexus Acklin of Pinetops, NC, Tammy Council of Greensboro, NC; eight sisters, Mae Joyce Evans (Daniel), Iris Celestine (Anthony) both of Winterville, NC, Audrey Carney-Maye (Jay) of Fountain NC, Theresa Neal (Willie), Sandra Council-Jackson, Glenda Jackson (Eddie) Darla McLaurin, Wynema Carney all of Greenville NC; one brother, Carlton Council of Greenville, NC; three sisters-in-law, Barbara Johnson of Greenville, NC, Angela Maye of Bridgeport, CT, Carolyn Maye of Morrisville, NC; two aunts, Marie Counicl of Philadelphia, PA, Mary Shaw of Fremont, NY; thirteen grandchildren, Kadeem Palmer, Tykia Jones, Keandre Palmer, Alexia Clemons, Lataejah Jones, Micah Carter, Taniya Council, Jakiya Council, La’Derek Howard, Cameron Council, Javaun Latham, Kayon Latham, Marissa Perez; three great grandchildren, Jordan Reeves, Arianna Page, Jaiden Jones; four very special friends, Evelyn Evans, Nancy Peele, Carlene Bynum, Gail Prayer; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving relatives and friends.

Tributes

Mrs. Ernell Council May

August 6, 1952 - October 14, 2018