Jeannette Elizabeth Cherry May

Jeannette Elizabeth Cherry May, 73, of Winston-Salem, NC, passed away on Tuesday, November 5th, 2024 unexpectedly in her home of 38 years. Jeannette, known by all as “Jeannie,” was born on June 19th, 1951 in Louisville, KY to Dr. Russell Thomas Cherry Jr and Jewell Jones Cherry. 

Jeannie was the oldest of three children, (Judith Cherry Smith and Russell “Rusty” Cherry III) and grew up in a Baptist Minister’s family, which were always serving and missioning in their community. Her sister Judy was her best friend and confidant. Judy one day told Jeannie that her husband-to-be loved her and she believed him to be her match. And what a match it was! Jeannie met her husband, “Tripp” (Commie Luther May III) on her first day of college at Campbell University in 1969, when he saw her sitting alone at a movie. He asked her if the seat was taken and she replied that she was waiting on someone (a date), in her most polite voice. His comment back was that she had another side. This moment marked the beginning of a beautifully woven relationship that continued for the next 54 years. 

After completing her degree in Elementary Education, Jeannie married Tripp in June of 1973 and she went on to receive her Masters in Religious Education but had decided her work was needed most in the public education system. She taught elementary school (primarily first grade at Sherwood Forest Elementary) for 35 years when she then retired, only to then return to work part-time as a support instructor and tutor. 

In addition to working full-time as an educator, Jeannie was an essential partner alongside Tripp with their dedication in the ministry of the church. Their creative nature blossomed together as they led dozens of puppetry and drama teams, youth groups, and Bible School events. They were both on the founding team of a creative ministries festival called Curtain Call founded in 1978, and carried on with it over 30 years. Jeannie was a member in the choirs at all of the churches Tripp served at over the years. And they were both active members at Trinity Moravian Church where they were in the midst of a puppet production she was directing. 

Jeannie and Tripp raised two children (Elizabeth Ann & Russell Craig) in their creative, loving, Christian home. Her grandchildren (Florence, 7; Avery, 18mos; and Gavin, 6mos) brought her the ultimate joy as she shared stories, games, and adventures with them. Celebrations such as birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas were some of Jeannie’s favorite times of the year. She was a lover of the fall season and the color pink. Jeannie was known for her love of Anne of Green Gables, frills, and high heels. 

Jeannie was a radiant light in an often dark world. Her intentional kindness, genuine smile, and innate desire to support others created ripples of love across generations in every community she was involved in. 

Jeannie was preceded in death by her mother, Jewell Jones Cherry; her father, Russell Thomas Cherry Jr.; and her sister, Judith Lynn Cherry Smith (Scott Smith). She is survived by her husband, “Tripp” Commie Luther May III; her son, Russell Craig May (Rebecca Post-May); her daughter, Elizabeth Ann May (Martin Campbell); her 3 grandchildren Florence Cynthia May, Avery Finch May, and Gavin Luther Campbell; her brother, Russell Thomas Cherry III (Besty Dean Cherry); and many other family, friends, and students. 

The Memorial Service will be on Saturday, November 9th, 2024 at 2pm at Trinity Moravian Church located at 220 Sprague Street in Winston-Salem, NC 27127. A Remembrance Reception will follow the service in the church fellowship hall. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to Trinity Moravian Church in support of the Trinity Puppeteers, where Jeannie was the founding director. To make a donation you may send a check to Trinity Moravian’s mailing address or on their website (trinitymoravian.org) through PayPal by clicking the “donate” icon on the right side of the page. Please indicate the donation is for Jeannie May Memorial (Puppet Team).