Hattye V. Mays

Hattye Virginia Mays was born in Montgomery, Alabama on November 22, 1935, to Lester and Annie Jane Bailey. She was their oldest daughter. When Hattye was a child, the family moved to a small town called Fayette where Lester and Annie Jane raised their seven children. Hattye learned how to bake bread at an early age that she would sell to neighbors. One of the best parts of Hattye’s childhood was taking the Greyhound bus to Florida during the summer with her brother Raymond to visit their grandmother who owned a famous restaurant.

In 1953, Hattye was crowned homecoming queen. She enjoyed sharing memories of that special time with family and friends. Hattye graduated from Fayette County Training School with Honors in 1954. She later went on to do some modeling. Hattye was beautiful inside and out.

In 1958, Hattye left Alabama bound for New York. She was employed as a live-in housekeeper for a doctor’s family in Massapequa. Even though she loved her job, she missed her family. She would often send packages home to let them know that they had not been forgotten.

During the spring of 1958, Hattye met Nathaniel Mays at a soul food restaurant and bar in Hempstead. He had just been honorably discharged from the United States Air Force. After a few dates, Nathan wanted Hattye to meet his family. They later married and remained together until her passing. The latter years of their marriage were spent enjoying daily outings that would start off at White Castle for breakfast and end up at Walmart. Their favorite pastime was to drive to a local marina to watch the boats. It is a memory that Nathan will cherish forever.

In 1965, Nathan and Hattye became the owners of a very successful business called Mays Cleaners in Amityville. Hattye was extremely dedicated and took great pride in her work. She was known for her warm and caring demeanor and was respected and adored by her customers. Hattye always aimed for 100% client satisfaction. For that reason, her customers remained loyal until she closed the cleaners to spend more time with her family in 1980.

Anyone who knew Hattye well knew about her passion for playing Bingo. Even though she loved the thrill of winning the jackpot, she was often known to give her winnings to her children to pay for expenses they might have incurred as they endeavored to better themselves. It was also at the Bingo Hall that she made long lasting friendships. She looked forward to going to St. Cyril’s each week. She truly loved introducing her Bingo Buddies to her children and grandchildren and informing them of family milestones and accomplishments.

Hattye loved to travel. She was always ready to embark on vacations with her children. Some of her most memorable trips included Hawaii, California, Turks and Caicos, Mexico, The Cayman Islands, and Puerto Rico. She also looked forward to attending the McKinney Family Reunion. Family meant so much to her.

Hattye was affectionately known by most as Nana. She experienced her greatest joy when she was with her family. She was a devoted wife, and few things would bring her more pleasure than being with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. In addition to being an incredible cook, she was known to give the best hugs and kisses. Hattye also had a wonderful garden for many years and was always eager to share the vegetables that she harvested. Hattye had a heart of gold and exemplified forgiveness and unconditional love. She was often known to be a mother to the motherless. Former neighborhood children would return to her home to thank her for the difference she had made in their lives.

Hattye was an incredible woman who left an indelible mark on this world. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 65 years Nathaniel; children, Deborah Ludy (Steven), Carolyn Bailey, Stephanie Mays, Nathaniel Mays (Janet), Reginald Mays (Eileen), and Paula Mays. Hattye lovingly cared for Joyce Durant (Eric), Christopher Connor, Bree Wright and Nastassya Wright. Hattye is also survived by sisters, Wanda Caine (Nolan), Jeanne LeGrand of Queens, NY; brother David Bailey (Mattie), and a host of beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, church family and friends. Hattye was preceded in death by her parents, and her brothers Raymond, Lester, and Henry Bailey. Hattye will be sorely missed by her four-legged companion Ava who brought her so much joy.  We will honor her memory by allowing her spirit of love and forgiveness to live on in each and every one of us.