Helen Lorene May

Helen was born on October 24, 1934 in Knox, Texas. She passed away on Tuesday, September 26 at the young age of 82. She was born to Thomas Aubrey Turner and Thelma Jenny (Winn) Turner, being the fourth of seven children. The family relocated to California when she was young. A small statured, beautiful young girl, Helen met Archie Wayne May when they were fourteen years old, and were married at seventeen years on December 3, 1951. Together they raised four children, teaching them among other things, a love for nature in all her wondrous aspects, respect and love towards people and animals, and a willingness to not only empathize with those less fortunate, but also to reach out and help them without ever considering the personal sacrifices. Helen and Wayne drew strength from each other while they shared the good times and the bad throughout 60 years of marriage until she lost her love and soulmate to illness in 2012. After raising her children Helen and her eldest daughter, Debby, opened a home daycare in 1974. From generation to generation as they grew up, those she cared for became close friends and a well-loved extension of her family. When Wayne was diagnosed with a critical illness, they both retired, bought a motor home and spent several months each year traveling the country, visiting family and making new friends until Wayne could no longer travel. In addition to Helen's friends, too numerous to count, she is survived by her daughters, Debby May of Visalia; Yvonne Pennestri and her husband, Eric of Porterville; and Sheri Musgrove of Visalia. She also leaves behind 6 grand children and 8 grandchildren. She was proceeded in death by her husband and best friend, Wayne May; her only son, Michael May; her parents, Aubrey and Thelma Turner; and her siblings, Novalene King, Thomas Turner, Margaret Starnes, Frances Moreau, Donald Turner, and Thurman Turner. Helen was the last surviving child of Aubrey and Thelma. During the last few years Helen suffered many falls resulting in massive bruising and broken bones. Yet each time she soldiered on with her usual strength, determination and humor until she regained her mobility and self-sufficiency. Unfortunately the results of the last falls proved too damaging for her worn out body to defeat. A graveside service will be held at the Visalia District Cemetery on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 11 AM. Chaplain Kent Mishler will be leading the service. During her lifetime, she always said, "If you want to give me flowers, give them to me while I'm alive to enjoy them. Don't wait until I'm dead." Therefore if you'd like to give a donation in her name, please send it to St. Jude's Children Hospital. This will honor both her and the many children she has loved throughout her life. Condolences may be sent to www.salseranddillard.com

Helen Lorene May

October 24, 1934 - September 26, 2017