Tomi Jane May

Tomi Jane May went to her heavenly home on Friday, October 18, 2024 at the age 99 years. A funeral service will be held at 2:00pm, Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at the First Baptist Church in Rule, Texas with Rev. Scott Hensley officiating. Burial will follow the service at the Rule Cemetery under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes, Rule. A visitation is planned from 1:00pm until service.

She was born June 2, 1925 at O'Brien, Texas to Ernest Edward and Ollie DuPuy Teaff. They preceded her in death : Ollie died October 5, 1936, and Ernest died April 11, 1972. Also preceding her in death were her brothers: E.B. Teaff and Jack Teaff, a sister, Ernestine Sellers, a son Dr. David May.

Her school years were spent in Knox City Schools where she graduated as valedictorian in 1942. She attended West Texas State College in Canyon, Texas, and also worked for a short time in the banking business in Knox City and in Dallas.

Tomi married her high school sweetheart, A.D. May, in Knox City, Texas on June 13, 1944. They celebrated almost 64 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on June 5, 2007. Following their marriage, they made their home in Dallas, Texas for a few months, then moved to Haskell County in January, 1945 to begin a farming operation that would last more than 60 years. Their greatest joy were their three children: daughter-in-law, Lynda May, Susan and Larry LeFevre, and Randy May; three grandchildren, Larressa and Eric Earthman, Shane and Julie LeFevre, and Keith May: 8 great grands, Ryan and Ali Earthman, Corrie and Peter Goodwin, Shawn, Morgan, Nate, and Belle Earthman, Hayden and Easton LeFevre; 1 great-great grand, Beatrice Kate Earthman.

Tomi accepted Christ as her Savior as a young girl, and joined the Methodist Church in Knox City. In 1952 she joined Rule First Baptist Church with A.D. so the family would be united in worship, and she was a committed member as long as she was physically able. She was a member of the choir, sang in a mixed quartet, and taught Sunday School classes at various times for high school girls, young married couples, and ladies. Woman's Missionary Union had a tremendous impact on her commitment to mission study, praying, and giving, and she served in various capacities in the local organization, also serving on the Texas WMU Board for 15 years while serving as Haskell-Knox AssociationWMU Director. She delighted in presenting Mission Study books, and in leading out in the three yearly Weeks of Prayer and Offering for Missions which Baptists observe.

Tomi was a longtime member of the Monday Night Bridge Club, until A.D.'s health did not permit her to leave him. She was a member of Philadelphian Study Club until it disbanded. She also enjoyed the Tuesday Breakfast Club for more than 25 years. In 1963 the Rule Chamber of Commerce presented her with the first annual Woman of the Year award.

Memorials can be made in Tomi May's name to the Kitchen Fund of the First Baptist Church in Rule, Texas.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.smithfamilyfh.com.