Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Columbia for Ernestine Ford May, 97, of Columbia, who passed away Friday, January 23, 2026 at Myrtles Nursing Center. Interment will be at Cedar Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. Rev. Tommy Broom will officiate the services. Chris Turnage will provide special music. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until 11:00 am on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Cedar Grove Baptist Church.

Ernestine May stands as a pillar of the Columbia community, embodying a deep-seated commitment to preserving both the history and the future of South Mississippi. As a descendant of the area's early settlers, she channeled her heritage into active service through prestigious organizations, including the Mississippi's Magnolia chapter of the Colonial Dames and the Catherine Ard chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, where she dedicated many years as treasurer. Her meticulous nature also benefited the Marion County Historical Society, where she similarly managed the treasury to ensure local history remained well-documented and accessible.

Beyond her civic affiliations, Ernestine's legacy is woven into the lives of countless students through her lengthy teaching career at Jefferson Middle School, Hub, and East Marion. This passion for mentorship extended into her spiritual life as a long-term Sunday School teacher. Her vision for a more informed community was perhaps most visible in her role on the Board of Trustees for the new Library during its construction, ensuring that Columbia would have a modern space for learning and connection for generations to come.

She was preceded in death by her Husband, Joe Box May; two Sons, David May and Philip May; Father, Ernest Russ Ford; Mother, Wennie Seal Ford; Step-Mother, Quennie Ford; Brother, Russ Ford; two Sisters, Billie Frances Ford and Patsy Wicks; Brother-In-Law, Himbert Sinopoli; Daughter-In-Law, Sherry May.

She is survived by her two Sons, George May (Patsy); Tom May;  Sister, Pauline Sinopoli; five Grandchildren, Scott May (Amy), Eric May, Andrew May (Tanessa), Katie Patterson (Mike) and Tommy May (Tasha);  six Great Grandchildren, Trace May, Taylor May, Jaelynn Peak, Gabrielle Thompson, Harrison May, Tucker Williamson;  Daughter-In-Law, Pam  May; Sister in law, Barbara Ford; A host of Nephews, Nieces, and friends.

Pallbearers will be Eric May, Andrew May, Tommy May, Raymond May and Katie May. Honorary Pallbearer will be Trace May

Hathorn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Friends may sign an online guest register book at www.hathornfuneralhome.com