Mrs Helen Reba Thornton Mays

Helen Reba Thornton Mays, 87, retired teacher's assistant at Highland Park Elementary School, died Saturday, May 8, 2010 at her residence on Galloway Street. Graveside services will be conducted Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at Polk Memorial Gardens with Eddie Rogers officiating. Pallbearers are Ed Roland, Todd Dalton, Eddie Dalton, Craig Harris, Norman Harris, and Chris Harris. The family will visit with friends Monday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Oakes & Nichols. The family suggests memorials to Pet Pals of Maury County, P. O. Box 1623, Columbia 38402. Notes of sympathy may be sent to www.oakesandnichols.com. Born in the Appleton Community in Lawrence County, she was the daughter of the late Doc Thornton and Ella McGuire Thornton. A 1942 graduate of Columbia Central High School, she began substitute teaching at Highland Park Elementary School prior to serving as a teacher's assistant for 20 years. Mrs. Mays was a long-time member of Highland Park Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Claude Mays, Jr. of Columbia and a daughter, Sheila K. (Chris) Harris of Knoxville; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by sisters, Mary Ellen Luttrell and Neva Dalton; and brothers, Willie J. Thornton and James Thornton. The family expresses deep appreciation to her caregivers and Hospice staff for their care and thoughtful concern during her illness.