Frances May Obituary

Frances Marie (Leonard) May was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 21, 1920, one of eight children to the late Della Booker and Vanza O’Hara Leonard, and departed this life on June 17, 2017, at the age of 97.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband Harold Alexander May, and her siblings: Dorothy Malone, Louise Mohr, Vanza G. (Buddy) Leonard, DeElvis Leonard, David Leonard, and Sharon Collins.

Frances attended the public schools of Detroit and graduated from Northwest High School. She attended Wayne State University, and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Montgomery College.  A diligent student throughout her life, Frances was continually seeking edification for skills and continued professional growth, pursuing advanced studies at Temple University and Yale.  In later years, she earned a graduate degree in Human Resources with a certificate in Human Therapy from Lincoln University of Pennsylvania at 60 years of age.   After working various jobs through the years she eventually retired from Eagleville Hospital.

Frances first marriage ended in divorce.  Frances married the late J. Carlton Yeldell.  Her son of that union is Robert L.S. Yeldell.    After the death of Carlton Yeldell, Frances was married 36 years to the late Harold Alexander May.  Looking back, Frances once wrote of these years: “Truly blessed unions, both of which were exceedingly joyful.”

A life epitomized by the belief that each of us makes a difference in the world, Frances participated in many civic and social betterment activities. As a young person France sold bonds for Israel, was a reporter for the Michigan Chronicle and co-authored articles on “Teaching Black Studies.”  Her love of literature was exemplified by her membership in the book club, “Bibliophiles” during her time living in New Jersey.

Over the years, she was a Chairperson for the NAACP Youth Council in Detroit and eventually became a life member of the NAACP.  Other activities were: PTA President; President of Sigma Wives; Chair of FREE (For Real Estate Equality); Organizer, Charter member and first President of the Montgomery County chapter of The Links, Inc.; Secretary of the Philadelphia Urban League; member of the Upper Marion Fair Housing Council and the Diocesan Youth Committee; President – Women of Fellowship Commission; Arbitrator for alternative conflict resolution, and many more.  It is especially noteworthy that Frances was the first African American to run for the Upper Merion Township School Board; she lost by a very small margin.

Devoted to the Lord’s work, Frances served on the vestry during her memberships in the parishes of Trinity – St Phillip’s Cathedral of Newark, NJ and at St Mary’s Ardmore, PA.  She also participated as a lay reader and delegate at many Diocesan Conventions in each Episcopal Diocese in which she lived.  As a member of St. Mary’s Ardmore for 17 years, Frances received many awards for her commitment, service and leadership in the Adult Forum Committee.  She was also awarded the Chapel of the Four Chaplains award for her work in housing and education.

Frances is survived by her son Robert L.S. Yeldell; devoted surrogate son Harry Scott (Karen) of New York; brother Kenneth Leonard (Jean) of Highland Park, MI; brother-in-law, Ricardo Santiago of Florida, Godson, David May (Sherrell) of Connecticut; goddaughter, Gale Jones of Atlanta, Georgia and niece and goddaughter Diane Mohr of Silver Springs, Maryland and many other nieces and nephews, and a host of devoted and loving friends.