Shelby Makaela May, 32, of Owensboro, passed away on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, surrounded by her family. She was born August 11, 1990, in McComb, Mississippi, to Pat May and the late Glen L. May. Shelby was a social worker for the State of Indiana and a long-time Target employee, where she found her second family.
Shelby lived her life based on experiences and not material things. She never turned down an adventure. Shelby had that larger-than-life personality and to know her was to love her. She was a lover of all things travel and enjoyed many trips hiking in national parks. Coffee was a must for her in the mornings or any time of the day. She found her happiness in listening to music, especially if it involved Taylor Swift. Although Shelby was strong, her weakness came about when animals were involved, she loved animals so much and wanted to have them all. Along with her adventurous soul, Shelby also found her peace in reading and expressed herself through writing, which she was amazing at. She was the strongest and most courageous spirit. She will be missed by many.
Along with her father, she is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents and paternal grandparents.
Shelby is survived by her mother, Pat; brother, Stephen May; “hand-picked sister” and best friend, Caitlin Panis, and other best friends, who were very dear to her, Bridgett Prince, Megan and Justin Gray. Also surviving her are hosts of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory. Friends and family can visit from 10:00 am until the time of service on Saturday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, Shelby would have loved for friends and family to make a charitable donation made payable to, It Takes a Village No-Kill Rescue, Inc., 1417 N Stockwell Rd, Evansville, IN 47715, in honor of her memory. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is both honored and privileged to be entrusted with the care of Shelby May. Leave your messages of condolence for the family of Ms. May and sign her virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.