Prayers & Condolences to the May and Murphy Families
 Unfortunately, Family I have tragic news to share. Dr. Marvis P. May, pastor of the Macedonia Baptist Church in West Baltimore died early on the morning of Saturday, November 24, 2007. He was 47 years old.
I’ve had the privilege of knowing Dr. May for most of my life. Our churches have fellowshipped together over the years and he and my father - at different times - both graduated from Howard Divinity School and the doctoral program at the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.Â
The last time that I spoke with Dr. May was on Father’s Day of this year. He had me to come and preach at the church and I was extremely humbled by the opportunity. As we talked about the civil rights movement in his office, I shared with him how enamored I was (and am) with Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker and his role in the fight for freedom during the exciting 50’s and 60’s. Without missing a beat, he said that he and Dr. Walker were very close and that he usually took trips down to VA to see him. He offered me a seat in his car the next time he went down. That’s the Marvis P. May I know. A thoughtful, caring, and giving man who placed great value on mentoring the next generation of preachers and connecting us to others who are stalwarts in this sacred vocation. (Had it not been for Dr. May, I would have never met and had lunch with Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III) I also know how much he loved his children - Christina and Marvis II. My prayers are with them and the Macedonia Church during this very difficult time. I will post information about the Homegoing Service as I receive it.Â
UPDATE: Dr. May’s Homegoing Arrangements have been released. They are as follows:
The Viewing will be Friday, November 30, 2007 10AM - 7PM at Macedonia Baptist Church.
The Homegoing Service will be Saturday, December 1, 2007 12Noon at Macedonia (Family Hour will be from 10AM - 12Noon). Pastor Frederick Haynes, III from the Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas, TX will preach the eulogy.
The internment following the service will be at the Druid Ridge in Baltimore, Maryland.
In other sad news, Frances Murphy II, the first woman to chair the Afro-American Newspapers Board of Directors, the publisher emeritus of the Washington Afro-American, and popular columnist for the Baltimore Afro-American Newspaper and grand-daughter of the newspaper’s founder has died. She was 85. While I never personally met Ms. Murphy , it was impossible for me not to be impacted by the presence of the Afro-American Newspaper here in Baltimore City. Her life-long devotion and dedication to publishing a quality print alternative to this area’s African American community is evident. There are issues that even to this day, the Black community in Baltimore expects the Afro to carry and a perspective that the Afro will cover that no other “mainstream” newspaper will share. As an African in America that embraces Liberation Theology and revolutionary social justice practice, I understand the importance of building institutions that undergird the path toward freedom for my community. Frances Murphy II has contributed much to the honorable character of African people. My prayers are with the Murphy family and the Afro-American Newspapers Institution. Click here for more information about Murphy and Homegoing Arrangements.
As we engage this season which is characterized by merriment and glee, let us also be sensitive to those who are bereaved during this time. Grief seems to be a bit heavier during this time of year and Death a harder pill to swallow. Let us keep all bereaved families in prayer and extend ourselves beyond what’s reasonable to people who may feel like they are all alone in this world. In addition, let’s hold our loved ones tighter this year as we engage in festive activities keeping in mind that as the old Black Church spiritual says, “this may be our last time - we just don’t know.”Â
November 25th, 2007 at 10:20 pm
Praise God!
My heartfelt prayers go out to both families in the recent loss of these icons in journalism and religion. God is faithful and loving, he will carry you through your time of bereavement-trust Him!
Transformation Church of Jesus Christ
Evangelism Ministry
November 26th, 2007 at 2:11 am
To the Family of Dr. Marvis P. May
We extend to you our heartfelt sympathy during this very difficult time.
“Uncle Marvis” as my sons have known since they were babies was a beloved and cherished friend to us. Wonderful memories of Marvis will leave
an imprint in our hearts forever. We love him very much. He was a great blessing to our lives and to so many others. We will miss him very much.
May God grant you the strength, the peace, the grace, and His love through
this time.
In Christ love,
Betsy, Justin, and Jeremy of Denver, Colorado
November 26th, 2007 at 12:47 pm
To the Family of Dr. Marvis May
My sincere condolences and prayers go out to your family in this time of bereavement. He was a exceptional teacher and preacher and because of him I decided to get saved when I was 14 years old at Metropolitan Baptist Church. He was wonderful and will surely be missed.
With Deepest Sympathy
Charlene and David
November 26th, 2007 at 7:42 pm
I’ve only known you for a little, but yet it seemed like a lifetime. I remember you telling me to take care of that baby and be careful, while walking up to give my offering. You are greatly loved and will be truly missed. My condolences to the family at this difficult time.
November 26th, 2007 at 7:53 pm
Pastor May…your Macedonia family misses and loves you dearly…our church will never be the same…you will always remain in my heart! You were a father figure, leader, teacher, friend, brother, uncle, and the realest preacher in Baltimore City…your sermons were able to be retained by individuals of all ages…you really made Macedonia feel like home…
To Chris & M.J….we love you and we are here if you need anything!!!!!
November 26th, 2007 at 8:57 pm
Family, I wish to express my deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences and prayers. As it has been said by many Dr. Marvis Proctor May, Sr is an icon of our generation. We will love and miss you as the friend, teacher, leader, uncle, preacher and pastor. Your guidance and wisdom will always remain in my heart and mind. I will never forget your passion and love that you have for the people of God, your community and the lost. Your example of a godly man is what has always impressed me and I pray that I am able to raise God fearing children like you have with Christina and MJ. You will me missed and I will miss the conversations and words of encouragement that you gave so freely and generously.
November 26th, 2007 at 9:57 pm
To The Members of Macedonia Baptist Church.
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy in the lost of an annointed, God fearing christian. It was truly an honor and priviledge to have met and worship at his church. Pastor May made all visitors feel at home, such as myself. His caring spirit enabled us to have a memorial service for my nephew and again he opened up the church to receive our family without giving it another thought. The White & Brown family will surely miss Pastor May and again extend our heart filled sympathy to his children and extended family called Macedonia.
November 27th, 2007 at 4:11 pm
I have been so proud of Marvis (as I call him), and I am both shocked and saddened by this news. I will always remember him as a Bishop College son as he has made us all proud of his accomplishments, He was a very good student while at Bishop College, and carried himself as a professional, even before he was. He will forever live in my heart, and my prayers go out to the children and the church.
Much Love.
Guin White,Counselor, Bishop College
November 28th, 2007 at 3:14 am
Dr. May was a good teacher of the Gospel. He will be missed. He is not loss, we know where he is. One day, for those in Christ, will change in a twinkling of an eye. We will be caught up in that great camp meeting in the Air. See you soon, my brother.
November 28th, 2007 at 12:31 pm
On behalf of the St. Mark MB Church Family in Drummonds, TN(Memphis) we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Pastor May’s family and congregation. Pastor May will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him! I thank God for his sermons! The one that comes to mind is the sermon he preached about “Resting in the Bosom of Abraham”. He spoke of many great men of God who were alive but now they are resting in the bosom of Abraham. So now it is fitting to say, Marvis, who walked this place called earth and shared the Good News with everyone; who never met a stranger, is now resting in the bosom of Abraham! Again, Pastor May will be greatly missed at St. Mark MS in Tennessee! Our brother who has moved on up a little higher can now take his rest until that Great Day!
Much Love,
Rev. Nina Tidwell, St Mark MB Church, Drummonds, TN
December 1st, 2007 at 12:56 am
The Youth of the State of Florida met Dr. Marvis P, May at the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education in St. Louis, Missouri 1996. He impressed them so with his kndness, knowledge and his wherewithal to teach through his every day conversation.
Later, that year Dr. May had an opportunity to visit the campus of Bethune Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida. Dring his visit he had a fireside chat with the students, and left such an imprint on their hearts. They all concurred with the fact the Dr. May was well able to serve as the President of the Institution. His essence was such a delight. When the students asked Dr. May what he preached, he would always say Jesus. So we are assured that he is with the Lord. He will always be in the hearts of the youth in the State of Florida. We extend our love and sincere sympathy to his immediate family and extended Church family.
December 1st, 2007 at 7:19 pm
My sincere condolences to the May family. I rejoined the Metropolitan Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. on a Sunday that Rev. May was the speaker. I was so moved by his sermon, that I went down front to shake his hand and come back to my home church. He had a special way to talk to you that made you think he was talking directly to you. Our community will miss a very special person, but Heaven is gaining a dynamic speaker.
December 4th, 2007 at 11:35 pm
Dear May Family
We are still in shock, as my girlfriend and I discussed over dinner tonight we feel as though we’ve been “shell shocked.” However we know that He does all things well and so as the days go by and we get through each of them we will give God all of the glory and all of the praise. Marvis was my Pastor, my friend, and my anchor. Our friendship spanned over 16 years and I miss him dearly. I will continue to pray daily for you MJ, Christina, and Ms. Precious. I know that the all mighty father will continue to keep you in his care and comfort and give you his peace to get you through the long days and nights ahead of you. As trite as this saying may be it is said with the utmost sincerity “if there is anything that I can do for you at this time to help please do not hesitate to let me know.” Love “Ms Mona”