Donna Ann Branch Epley May

ODESSA — On July 4, 2004, Independence Day, the ultimate independence was granted to the ultimate independent lady.
Donna Ann May, born January 17, 1939, in Alamo, Tenn. She was given independence from the breast cancer that had attempted to cramp her style for nearly six years. Donna was Business Manager for Forrest Hospital, a Private Psych. Hospital, in Des Plaines, Ill., prior to moving to Odessa in 1983. She and friend Judy Clark were also Business Owners of a Doctor’s Billing Service. She was the former Owner of University Bridals & Formals in Odessa, Texas. Donna lived this life to its fullest. She worked hard, she played hard, she loved deeply, and when she was done, left us all in the graceful, dignified style, that was truly in her own timing. Cancer would not be allowed to dictate to Donna when it was her time to leave her family and friends. SHE would let the cancer know when she was done.
Donna is now in Heaven, putting her beloved hats on all the angels, and we are quite sure, rearranging some of God’s furniture so that the place is cozy enough for those of us who hope to join her some day in her Heavenly Hat Society. She has already inducted into her club many loved ones, including parents, Fred and Opal Branch; sisters, Carolyn Bell and Jeannetta Boling, who also suffered the effects of breast cancer; brother, Joe Franklin Branch; his sons, Clayton and Jody Branch; husband of 15 years and Villa Rae’s father, Ernest Epley Jr.; nephew, Tommy Johnson; and the Love of her life, her once in a lifetime, Samual Jackson May, who has walked slowly in heaven since 1993 so that he would not miss holding her hand when she arrived, and I am sure will put a hat on whoever she asks. They went before her to attempt to prepare God for what he was in for when Donna arrived. Not that she was bossy, she just had her ways. Donna collected hats, the way she collected friends. She saw each one for its uniqueness and beauty, and loved them without reservation. Her powerful presence gave her the strength to raise her only daughter, Villa Rae, and to impart into her the importance of inner strength, and sense of self, and to never let circumstances in life define who you are, or what you become. Donna left Villa Rae with some big shoes to fill, but we all know, Villa Rae has big feet, thanks to her upbringing.
Donna’s life was completed by her grandchildren, Nathan Hayter, Nicole Hayter, Jasmine McClure and Austyn Lynn May, and will be visible in their lives as they grow into the people she encouraged them to be. She embedded pieces of herself into their hearts that will never be forgotten by them. Other cherished loved ones she leaves behind to serve out their initiation into her newly formed Heavenly Hat Society are; much beloved sisters, who insist Donna is the Cement in their family, and who loved and nurtured their 3rd sister through her journey with breast cancer, Linda Hudgins (Danny), Connie Johnson (Tom); stepson, Randy May (Leah); father-in-law, Ernest Epley; brother-in-law, Charles Boling; son-in-law, Tony Hayter; son-in-law, John McClure; nephews, Glenn Bell (Diane) and Aaron Evans (Mary), nieces, Rhonda Dunivan (Tim), Crystal Branch; and many great nieces, nephews, and friends.
Grammy, no words would be profound enough to express how much you will be missed.
Visitation will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wed., July 7 at Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 8, in the Frank Wilson Funeral Directors Chapel with the Revs. Kyle Rodgers and Reed Gipson officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Memorial and Honor Program, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place,
Memphis, TN 38105.