Corliss Gail May, 81, of Batesville, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2026. She was born on February 15, 1945, to Ira Wheeler and Opal Louise (Harrington) Wheeler.

Corliss was a devoted Baptist and faithfully attended Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church. She was a woman of many talents and was truly a master of all trades. Corliss had a creative spirit and could make or build anything she set her mind to. She loved arts and crafts, painting, flower arranging, cooking, and working with her hands. Her family and friends admired her creativity, determination, and caring heart.

She proudly served as an Eastern Star member and worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant for ten years, caring for others with compassion and dedication. Corliss also enjoyed participating in pageants and contests throughout her life, bringing joy and confidence wherever she went.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ira Wheeler and Opal Louise (Harrington) Wheeler; her loving husband, David Dean May; her son, Ira Lee Hice; her daughter, Tina Marie Hice; and her sister, Betty Jean Nast.

Left to cherish her memory are her three sons, Leon F. Kehrer II (Angie), Michael Thomas May, and Timothy William May (Susie); two daughters, Laura Gail Hughes (Russell) and Toni Stringer (Jerry); nine grandchildren, Brandon Kehrer, Chris Kehrer, Christina Garrett, Cody Clark, Russ Hughes, Ashton Sanders, Iliana Ortiz, Alexandria Haner, and Erin Moser; great-grandchildren, Makinna, Bryer, Bryson, Brylee, Maddox, Kinnley, Kylee, Gabby, Goldie, Willow, Brentley, Rhylee, Sophie, Zoie, Allyna, Anthony, Aiden, Natalie, Josie, and soon-to-arrive baby Winnie; and three sisters, Victoria Kehrer, Myra Willbanks, and Crystal Nast.

Corliss will be remembered for her loving heart, strong spirit, creative talents, and the joy she brought to everyone who knew her.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Josh Terrell, Jeff Townsend, Ricky Ingram, Matt McGee, Jason Beane, and Jody Page.

The eulogy will be given by Johnathan Baxter and Alan Brown.

Services are entrusted to Willis Funeral Home Service. Funeral service details are pending at this time.

Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we find comfort in the many beautiful memories Corliss leaves behind. Her kindness, creativity, laughter, and unconditional love will forever live on through her family and all who were blessed to know her. She touched countless lives with her caring spirit and gentle heart. While she will be deeply missed every day, her legacy will continue to shine brightly in the lives of those she loved most.