With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Norma Lee O’Cull May, a dedicated educator who touched countless lives.
Norma passed away peacefully Monday, May 19, 2025, at her home surrounded by her beloved family. A lifelong learner and passionate teacher, Norma spent many years inspiring students with their love of reading. Norma touched many lives in her teaching career. Her commitment to education and unwavering support for students will be deeply missed.
Norma Lee O’Cull May of Quick’s Run Road, Vanceburg, was born on December 6, 1936, in Mason County at the North end of North Bear Wallow Road, a daughter of the late George O’Cull Sr. and Grace Thomas O’Cull. Norma was the sixth child born to this family.
Norma graduated from Orangeburg High School, Class of 1954, and later from Morehead State University. She began her teaching career at the Rectorville School, later at Orangeburg Elementary School, and in 1965 became a member of the faculty for the Ripley-Union-Lewis-Huntington School system teaching at Higginsport School, later the older Ripley Elementary School teaching second grade. She finished her career at the then newly renovated Ripley Elementary School as a Title One Reading Specialist.
Norma is survived by her beloved husband, Roscoe Dale May; her only son, Bradley Dale May; two sisters, Anna O’Cull Farmer (Joe) and Garnet O’Cull Trimble (Shelby); three grandchildren, Caleb May (Kadee Box, fiancée) of Morehead, and Laura May and Isaac Wade May of Concord; her sisters-in-law, Doris and Ruth May of Vanceburg, and Ray May (Gayle) of Mt. Carmel. Many nieces, nephews, an abundance of friends, and former students also survive who mourn her loss.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Eileen O’Cull Reid, Geneva O’Cull Reed and Phyllis O’Cull Campbell, and four brothers, George O’Cull Jr. (Lena May), Edmond O’Cull (Ethel Mae), Joe Frank O’Cull (Helen), Henry O’Cull (Linda).
Norma loved her church and was a faithful member of Martin Church of Christ on Quick’s Run. She attended church regularly until her decline in health. She was a dedicated Sunday School Class teacher, helped and directed Vacation Bible School for many years, and assisted with Christmas programs at the church.
Services will be at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Tollesboro Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 11918 Ky 57 at Tollesboro, with Bro. John Byard officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
Friends may visit after 4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Tollesboro Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Norma’s memory are suggested to Martin Church of Christ, PO Box 325, Vanceburg, KY 41179.
Condolences may be sent at www.globefamilyfc.com.
