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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24 Condolence(s)
Joanne trifilo
Saturday, February 7, 2026
May her memory be a blessing. Sorry to hear of this.
Kathy Stafford
Friday, February 6, 2026
So sorry to hear about Martha. I know she has had a hard battle. She was a special lady. Loved be with her when she and Mark were in Newport. Prayers for her family
Melinda Webb
Thursday, February 5, 2026
I will so miss Martha's beautiful smile! She was always so sweet even when she was not feeling her best and she would show me her beautiful smile. She was one of a kind - I will will think of her often and chairish the Martha on the Mantel hat she gave me. Sending lots of payers and love to her family and loved ones!
Love,
Melinda Webb
Barbara Blackstock Harris
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Prayers for Gods peace and comfort for your hurting hearts.
Debi Kysar
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
My condolences to Martha’s 🙏 I was bless to have met Martha at the Women can run we did many events , I remember her doing the Lilltle Rock 1/2 Marathon I only did 10k. we always had fun , Jennifer Combs was with us and the St Jude’s 5k in our matching Santa shirts . Run like a Diva 5k in Branson . Just a few of my favorite memories She was always such a sweet friend .
Kristin Johnston
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
I am so sorry to hear about your loss of Martha. I’ve known Martha since I was a little girl and she was always the same. So sweet, kind and had a smile for everyone. I will be lifting your family in prayer in the days to come. Kristin Johnston
Lynn and Robbie Freeman
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
We are sad for your loss.
Kelly Powell
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Sending prayers for comfort during your tremendous loss.
Kathy Irvin Cobb
Monday, February 2, 2026
So sorry and sad to hear this. We were college roommates for 3 years. She was so nice and such a good friend to me. I know she will be missed by all who love her.
Virginia and Tom Norwood
Monday, February 2, 2026
Tammy Tucker
Monday, February 2, 2026
Mark-
Thinking of you and praying for peace and comfort for you and your family.
Tammy Tucker
Joe F McAuliffe Jr
Monday, February 2, 2026
To the May family, my deepest condolences.
Heaven just became a better place. Martha is now truly my guardian angel 😇
Donna Wright Reynolds
Monday, February 2, 2026
I am heart broken at this news and pray for peace for the family. Martha was so precious and always kind to others.
Susan Pickle
Monday, February 2, 2026
I was blessed to know Martha as a co-worker and friend though we didn’t work together closely. She was an exceptional agent and cared deeply for those she worked with and clients she helped. The 4-H program was one of her passions. I first got to know Martha and her family when I chaperoned the national 4-h congress trip which her son Michael was chosen to attend. She will be remembered by many whose lives she touched.
Patricia Harlan
Monday, February 2, 2026
Martha was a wonderful person. At church she would quietly do things like clean in the kitchen pantry without telling anyone. She was quick to help others, always sweet and considerate. She was very courageous. Her faith in God was obvious but not "in your face". I admired her, loved her, and will miss her.
Jerry Blackstock
Monday, February 2, 2026
Martha’s a wonderful soul always a joy to be around. What a blessing to know we share faith in Jesus Christ and we have eternal life and joy in him.
Darwin and Mary Siegel
Monday, February 2, 2026
Our deepest sympathy to the family.
Vickie and Dena Mueller
Monday, February 2, 2026
Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Millie Collins
Monday, February 2, 2026
Martha was the consummate professional, a strong and loyal friend, and a warrior when it came to her family, professional life, health, or a cause she believed in. I treasured our 42-year long friendship. My heartfelt sympathy to Mark, Meleah, Michael, and the entire family. Prayers!
Jennifer
Monday, February 2, 2026
Martha and I shared many miles together throughout the years by walking, running, and cycling and a beautiful friendship developed from our time together. Martha was always ready for any adventure that came our way. She had a gift of helping me see things from a different perspective. I feel so blessed to have known Martha and it was a pleasure to call her my friend. I will forever cherish all of our memories that we created.
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:31
Many prayers for her dear family.
Chere and Sid Turner
Monday, February 2, 2026
Martha was such a talented person and will leave a legacy that will last. I remember many fun times as a child playing together with my cousins. I hope you find comfort that she was loved well by her family and she is no longer struggling but healed, whole and smiling.
Kim Light
Monday, February 2, 2026
I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for you all.
Sandra Siegel
Monday, February 2, 2026
We are thinking of you all and sending our love. We are so sorry for your loss.
Tim, Sandra, Alex and Mateo Siegel
Beverly H Hines
Monday, February 2, 2026
I loved working with Martha when she was in Lonoke County. She was always so positive and encouraging. She embodied the fruits of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. I look forward to fellowshipping with her in heaven. Praying for comfort for her family.