Diane May

Diane May, age 84, of Carthage, Texas, passed away on Wednesday evening, September 16, 2026, in Carthage.

Linda Diane Ballard was born on June 27, 1942, in Mexia, Texas, to the late Charles Phillip and Mary Elizabeth Douglas Ballard. She graduated from Mexia High School with the class of 1960 and attended junior college in Henderson County. Diane married Billy James May on February 11, 1961, in Dallas, Texas, and they celebrated 65 wonderful years of marriage together.

Diane worked as a secretary for Mabank ISD, retiring after 11 years of service. She enjoyed camping and traveling, and she and Bill visited most of the states in the continental United States. Above all, Diane was devoted to her family and treasured every opportunity she had to spend time with them. She was also an avid Carthage Bulldog fan and especially loved watching Bulldog football.

Diane and Bill moved to Carthage from Mabank in 1998. They were members of First Methodist Church in Carthage, where Diane was a member of the Agape Sunday School Class. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughters, Cynthia Diane May and Mary Elizabeth May Neeley; and siblings, Tommy Ballard, Jerry Ballard, and Beverly McCloud.

She is survived by her husband, Bill May; son, Kevin May and wife Tiffani; grandchildren, Adam Neeley, Chandler May, and Brett May and wife Jessica; great-grandchildren, Myles and Jett; brother, Danny Ballard and wife Nancy; sisters-in-law, Martha Ballard and Linda Ballard; and brother-in-law, Harold McCloud. Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends also survive Mrs. May.

A time of visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, September 20, 2026, at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Oaklawn Cemetery in Mabank, Texas, with Rev. Kevin Otto officiating. Services are under the direction of Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Heart’s Way Hospice for the loving and compassionate care provided to Mrs. May.

Memorial donations may be made in Mrs. May’s name to First Methodist Church, 201 S. Shelby, Carthage, Texas 75633, or to Heart’s Way Hospice, 437 W. Panola, Carthage, Texas 75633.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.