Tributes

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matt. 5:4 In His boundless wisdom and gentle grace, God Almighty extended His hand from Heaven and softly spoke to one of His beloved children, saying, “Come with me, my daughter, for it is time for you to return home.” Thus, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 9:15 PM, God gently closed the eyes of our cherished Kathryn at the Hospice House in Greenville, NC, allowing her to enter into eternal peace. Kathryn Telane Maye was born on September 3, 1952, to Johnnie and Cherrie M. Maye. She attended schools in Pitt County and graduated from J.H. Rose High School as part of the inaugural class of 1970. Kathy later moved to New York, where she welcomed her only child, a daughter named Tula. Shortly thereafter, she returned to Greenville, NC, where she spent the majority of her life. Kathy was a lifelong member of Mt. Calvary FWB Church, having joined at a young age. Later, she joined Philippi Church of Christ, under the leadership of Pastor Dameion Royal. Her professional career included many years at Empire Brushes, National Spinning Company in Washington, NC, and Burroughs Wellcome Co., where she dedicated over twenty-three years of service before retiring in 2000. Kathy had a passion for traveling and cherished numerous trips to New York with her family. She was an enthusiastic online shopper, particularly fond of Amazon. Additionally, she enjoyed watching Food Network Shows and Judge Judy, and she loved spending time with Martha Hopkins (NaNa). In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Johnnie Walter Maye, and a beloved aunt, Eula Royster, from New York. Her remarkable life will be fondly remembered by her daughter, Tula Maye Garris, of the home; four bonus daughters, Trina S. Watson (Gregory), Martha Moore, Lynn S. Thomas Greenville, NC, and Tisha Tyson, Detroit, MI; two sisters, Helen Wilson Jones of Rochester, NY, and Rosa Boyd of Manhattan, NY; one grandson, Calvin Ali Garris; two bonus grandsons, Kayden Asare Aboagye and Justus Osei Aboagye, one granddaughter, Telaina Garris; and two great-grandchildren, Kylan Garris, and Nyomia Garris; special friends, Trina Ebron, Mary Carter, and neighbor, Debra Bowman; her best friend for over fifty years, Ted “Popcorn” Gray. Kathy also leaves behind a multitude of other relatives and friends that checked on her daily.

Tributes

Ms. Kathryn Maye

September 3, 1952 - April 5, 2025