of Rogers, AR
June 11, 1955 - January 30, 2026
Martha Blake May, 70, of Rogers, Arkansas, formerly of Jonesboro, Arkansas, passed away January 30, 2026 at Circle of Life Hospice House after a hard fought battle with cancer. Martha was born in Little Rock on June 11, 1955 to the late George W. Willis and Marthel (Crowson) Willis of Benton, Arkansas.
She graduated from Benton High School in 1973, from UCA in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics, and from the U of A in 1978 with a Masters of Science in Home Economics. She began her career with the U of A Cooperative Extension Service in 1978 in Logan County. She worked in Lonoke, Jackson, and Craighead Counties finishing her tenure as Staff Chairman in Lawrence County in 2009. During that time she received many accolades including Jackson County Woman of the Year in 1995, Distinguished Service Award in 1997, and State 4-H Agent of the Year in 2001.
After retirement from the Cooperative Extension Service, Martha worked for the NEA Food Bank. She managed the Children's Backpack Program and Senior Pack Program including delivery of food to senior citizens in Craighead and Lawrence Counties.
Martha enjoyed taking in beautiful scenery and watching wildlife. Whether visiting National Parks while traveling across the continental US and Alaska or riding in the side by side at the family cabin, Martha was always ready to pause and see the beauty God created.
Martha's other hobbies included participating in Women Can Run, Women Can Cycle, and the Sewing Ministry at Cornerstone UMC. As an avid quilter, she made many quilts for family and friends. She was also a dear member of the Cancer Survivors & Thrivers Support Group in Jonesboro.
Martha married Mark in 1984. She was extremely proud of their two children Michael and Meleah, her daughter in law Kimmery, and her grandson Micah.
She is survived by her husband Mr. Mark May, her sisters Mrs. Christie Schade and Mrs. Betty Siegel and their families, her children Dr. Michael May and Miss Meleah May, her daughter in law Mrs. Kimmery May, and grandson Micah May who all loved her dearly.
Services will be held at Roller Alcoa Funeral Home on Wednesday February 4, 2026. Visitation at 1:00 pm with service to follow at 2:00 pm and at Cornerstone UMC on Sunday February 8, 2026. Visitation at 1:30 pm with service to follow at 2:30 pm.
Honored to be serving as pall bearers are Jerry Blackstock, Rodney McDaniel, Chris Hancock, Steven Cui, Nick Siegel, and Steve Lee.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arkansas 4 H Foundation, 1 Four H Way, Little Rock, AR 72223, Cornerstone United Methodist Church, 1910 Disciple Drive Jonesboro, AR 72405, St. Bernard's Cancer Center, 400 East Street, Jonesboro, AR 72401
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Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home
6700 Alcoa Road
Benton, AR 72019
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com