Mary Martha McGalliard May

Mary Martha McGalliard May, 88, of Glen Alpine, NC died Thursday, December 24, 2015.  Born in Burke County, NC on August 29, 1927, she was the daughter of the late James Avery “Abe” McGalliard and Lyda Garden Arney McGalliard.  Mary was a member of Longview Church of God and was a devoted Christian and mother.  She was a retired employee of Morganton Dye and Finishing.  Mary was an avid quilter.

Mrs. May is survived by her sons, Arvel Lynn May and his wife, Gearlean, of Morganton, NC, Danny Allan May and his wife, Vera, of Nebo, NC, and Jeffrey Keith May of Morganton; a daughter, Martha Aileen May Cooper and her husband, Joe, of Morganton; six grandchildren, Mark Cooper, Tim Cooper, Jeremy May, Erin Miller, Keith Edward May, and Shylia Carlitta May; six great-grandchildren, Jacob Lynn Cooper, Joshua Mark Cooper, Joseph Ayden Cooper, Kaylyn Briana Cooper, Teagen Cooper, and Casey May; four step-grandchildren, Melissa Jackson, Michelle Jackson, Katrina Sweeny, and Carl Kessler; ten step-great-grandchildren, Jonathan Wray Harwood, Adriana Buff, Heather White, Jessica Cook, Jacklyn Cook, Dallas Sweeny, Destiny Sweeny, Dakota Sweeny, Gavin Kessler, and Chanselor Kessler; and brothers, Clyde McGalliard and John David McGalliard, both of Glen Alpine.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Arvil May; one brother, Bud McGalliard; and four sisters, Sarah Johnson, Betty Fleming, Louise Anderson, and Grace McGalliard.

The family will receive friends from 2 – 3 p.m., today (Sunday, Dec. 27) at Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center.  The funeral will be held in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home at 3 p.m. with the Rev. Bruce Stump officiating.  Burial will follow in Glen Alpine Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Burke Hospice for their compassionate care and support during this difficult time.