of Benton, AR
August 17, 1923 - November 28, 2024
Era May Weeks stepped into her eternal rest on November 28, 2024. She was finally able to look upon the face of the Savior she loved. We know that Jesus welcomed her home with open arms and great celebration.
Era May was born on August 17, 1923 in Sheridan, AR where she was the second of seven children born to Davis and Tennie Wilson.
She was preceded in death by two sons who were reunited with Christ in Heaven days after their births; her husband of 48 years, Dr. Foy Weeks and her siblings, Veo Wilson (Era Wilson), Therin Wilson (Abbie Wilson), Conrad Wilson (Ann Wilson), Dorothy Greene and Peggy Cusick (Clint Cusick).
She is survived by her son, Dr. K Brant Weeks and Jim Novak of Benton; her grandson, Weston Weeks (Lisa Weeks) of Little Rock; her granddaughter, Alexis Cauthen (Shane Cauthen) of Vilonia and her great grandchildren, Drake Cauthen, Casen Cauthen, Jay Rogers, Ava Rogers, Dean Jones, Alex Jones and Preston Jones and her last living sibling, Gean Simmons (Dr. Richard Simmons).
She was a devoted member of Spring Creek Baptist Church for over 50 years. She and Foy led both their grandchildren to the Lord under the covering of Spring Creek and its congregation.
Era May was an exceptionally talented woman who was prolific in the art of China painting, having created hundreds of beautiful pieces for countless individuals and family members. She made most of her dearest friends during hours of paint classes led by her beloved paint teacher, Linda Alexander.
She grew up on a farm in Sheridan, Arkansas and moved away from home to the big city of Little Rock at just under 18 years of age to go to work and earn money to help support her large family. Because she was under 18, she fibbed a little on her application to a soda shoppe that was inside a local drug store. Then, after applying to the soda shoppe with the date of 1922, she couldn't ever remember which year she was actually born, sometimes stating 1923 and sometimes1924. According to Ancestry.com, it was actually 1923 and not 1924 like we all thought when we celebrated her 100th birthday this past summer. She was actually 101.
The soda shoppe was the only paying job she ever held, but she never stopped working. She could always be found in the kitchen, in the garden, painting china, reading or mowing her own lawn until she was over 90 years old. Her grandchildren, who spent a large part of their childhood under her care, swear they never saw her sleep until she was over ninety. She made the work and privilege of homemaking an art form.
Anyone and everyone was welcome to walk in the back door of her rock home on West North Street where she lived for at least 71 years before moving in with her sons, Brant Weeks and Jim Novak for the last three years of her life. Everyone knew where the key was ''hidden'' on Aunt May's back porch, including all of her nieces and nephews. They will all fondly remember being greeted by the aroma of home cooking, a huge smile, a big hug and probably a dirty joke or two.
Era May held regular therapy sessions at her big table or in her loveseat long before therapy was ''trendy.'' She always gave the best advice and was an incredible listener. You could be sure that anything you told her would certainly be passed along to all the sisters, but none of them judged us in our mistakes and hurts. They just all loved us well.
She was the matriarch of a very large extended family. Having only one living son limited her to only two grandchildren, but she made the most of every moment with them. Their Meme, as they called her, showed them the world and made her house their home.
There are not enough words in the English language to do justice to her life that was so well lived.
Her faith and her legacy will live on for generations and all who love her are comforted by knowing that she knew Jesus Christ intimately and she has now fully received her salvation that was bought with His blood. As her great grandson Drake said, ''We know she is in the throne room now, probably trying to serve the King of Kings a piece of Meme cake.''
Visitation will be held at Roller Alcoa Funeral Home at 6700 Alcoa Rd in Benton from 11 AM-12 Noon on Friday, December 6th. Funeral Services will immediately follow. A private graveside ceremony will then take place at Smith Rosemont Cemetery on Military Road in Benton, AR.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 15013150700.
Era Mae was always dressed to perfection. Jewelry and lipstick to match. She loved church and she was an encourager to me as the church pianist. I am so very thankful I got to visit with her a month before her passing. Brant and Jim took such excellent care of her I know without a doubt Mrs. Era Mae is in heaven and hearing the music!
Please accept my sincere sympathy. It was just l;ast week that I passed her house and thought about what a wonderful person she was. She and my mother, Laura Tull, had such good times painting china together and sharing recipes. I know you will miss her.
Wishing you peace . Peggy Roberson
My brother and I have great memories surrounding Aunt May and her family. So sorry she has left our world but know she is in a much better place.
Era May was such a special lady. I know she will be missed but I also know that you all have amazing memories with her! My thoughts and prayers have been with you these past few days.
Love you all,
Dianne
Brant, I am so sorry for your loss. I was not fortunate to have known your mother, but knowing she raised a son as thoughtful and kind as you have always been and reading your beautiful tribute tells me what a wonderful person she was. You and your family are in my prayers.
For over forty years we shared secrets, recipes ,and jokes. She was a great lady with sage advice and a quick wit. My prayers for the family she loved so much.
Brant, I am so sorry to learn of your precious Mom’s passing. What a wonderful loving tribute that you penned for her.
You are in my prayers. May The Holy Spirit comfort you and your family. Praise God for Jesus and Salvation. Also for eternal life. You will see her and your Dad again. What a joyous day that will be. I plan to hug her neck.
Prayers for comfort during this difficult time.
I know she will be greatly missed. Let all the great memories bring a smile to your face and comfort to your heart.
Deepest sympathy,
Diana Scott
My mother was a wonderful woman. She was loved and cherished by all who knew her. Now we must
say goodbye to her. She will be deeply missed. Her passing isn't a sad occasion. We in the immediate family are very happy that she didn't suffer one single bit. She was happy and well to the very end. She passed very peacefully on Thanksgiving Day after over 100 years of living a loving life. The legacy she leaves us is great. She now leaves behind great memories and loving feelings. May she rest in peace and live on in the hearts of those lucky enough to have known her. Love you always Mother.
I love u Aunt May! Such a sad day for all of us especially Brant, Jim and the Weeks/Wilson family. What a total joy this sweet lady was. No one who knows u will forget ur laugh and how often u shared it with everyone! Such a beautiful life u shared with all of us. All of u are in my prayers!
Ur niece,
Judi Weeks Akin