On a late and stormy evening in Sherril/Pastoria Arkansas on the Pipkin plantation, a young colored girl ran across the fields and knocked on a Caucasian homeowner's door to use the phone. Her request was obliged on the condition that the child to be born would be named after her if it was a girl. The young girl (Alice), older cousin to the unborn child left and relayed the message. A time later, on March 3, 1953, May Catherine White was born to a young unwed mother. Mary Lee Jackson had given birth to the first of her 6 children. May Catherine was raised by her share cropping grandparents who she unknowingly referred to as "momma" and "daddy" but were properly named Big John and Hattie Phillips. They loved, groomed, provided, and cared for her until their deaths around 1965. Under their guidance, May Catherine was raised in the Baptist faith at the family church, Morris Chapel, among the cotton fields where she resided. She began her education at Tucker Rosenwald school. The deaths of her grandparents forced May Catherine to relocate with her biological mother. During this time, she transitioned from being a careless child to a caregiver for her younger siblings. She shared the responsibility with her eldest brother Madison. They took turns attending school so that house chores and family needs would be met. After about 6 months, May Catherine moved once more to "the city" to live with her grandmother's sister and husband. Dewey and Mary Pittman moved May Catherine to the West side of Pine Bluff, Arkansas at the beginning of her teenage years. Segregation was still a societal norm during this period. She attended CP Coleman school for colored children starting in the 7th grade. Here she would encounter lifelong lessons, friends, and family. Education was a passion she excelled in as well as dance for the school Pep club. History was not only lived but created. At the beginning of her senior year of high school, the nation was in the middle of monumental change. The Civil rights movement was in action and May Catherine graduated in 1971 as valedictorian from Watson Chapel High School and gave the commencement speech for the first integrated class of students from the West side of Pine Bluff. Though May's life started rough, her aunt and uncle afforded her the security and opportunity to continue her education. With student loans and work study, May Catherine became a part of the pride at the local historically black college, AM&N. In 1975, now a first-generation collegiate graduate, May Catherine walked across the stage of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff with a degree in accounting. With education, quick fingers, and a brilliant mind she was able to pass a state exam for employment. In 1976 she became a full-time, wage-earning employee of the Arkansas Employment Security Division, stationed in Little Rock, AR. ESD/DWS was her only employer for the next 45 years. In June of 1980, she married her first husband Emmett Goodloe. They bought a home in Pine Bluff and started their life together. To this union one child would be born, Stephanie in 1981. Their marriage ended in 1986. Life offered her another husband in May of 1989, in the form of her high school sweetheart Gary Neal. An extended family was created to support all involved and she shared many years with him until his passing in 2013. May Catherine served in many capacities throughout her lifetime. Her proudest titles included: mother, sister, and friend. She was preceded in death by all who raised her: John and Hattie Phillips (maternal grandparents), Mary Lee Roberts (mother), Dewey and Mary Pittman (great aunt and uncle). Also, by her husband, Gary Wayne Neal, brothers: Madison Jackson (Kim), Felton Roberts, and Elga Lee Roberts. Her memory will live on and be cherished by one daughter Stephanie Goodloe of Pine Bluff, god-daughter Marlo Thomas of Pine Bluff, brothers: Larry Jackson (Dorthy)of Pine Bluff and John Roberts (Jackie) of Pine Bluff, brothers in love Harold Jackson of Pine Bluff and Donald Parks Sr. of Pine Bluff, god grand-children Andrew Reams of Memphis, Terrell Reams, Domonique Washington, Jerry Washington all of Dallas, TX, and Evan Tahj Jordan of Sherwood, AR. Also a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Psalms 23: 1-6

Memorial Service Thursday, July 18, 2024 4:00 PM New Home Missionary Baptist Church 3000 South Orange Street Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603