Penelope "Penny" Smith May
September 7, 1951 ~ February 22, 2025
Penelope “Penny” Smith May, 73, passed peacefully on Saturday, February 22, 2025.
She was born on September 7, 1951 in Boston, Massachusetts, to the late William Griswold Smith “Gris” and Jane Robinson Smith “Robin”.
Penny grew up in Greensboro. She attended Mount Vernon Seminary and College in Washington D.C. before settling in the Pines in 1974.
A self-proclaimed “city-girl”, Penny took some time to warm up to her new small town life. It was the friendships she made those first few years that truly made Moore County feel like home and the perfect place to raise her family.
After receiving her associates degree in interior design from Randolph Technical College in 1985, Penny held various design jobs including owning a small business in downtown Southern Pines that carried her hand-painted antiques.
Penny was a member of the Colonial Dames, Greensboro Country Club, The Country Club of North Carolina and various local garden clubs.
Her greatest joys were her two children, Bryan and Laura. Her children will always remember her as being the loudest mom cheering in the stands, late night snack chef, and Christmas magic maker.
Penny was a lifetime follower of Jesus and never wavered from her strong Christian faith.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister: Mary Bryan Smith.
Penny is survived by her two children: Bryan May and wife Carolyn of Charlotte, Laura May and husband Ricardo Araya of Southern Pines; sister: Maura Hilliard Smith of Greensboro; grandchildren: Maisy Araya, Aden Araya, Madeleine May. Nieces: Mary Bryan Morgan (Kane); Rimes McGinn Kirk (Jon); great-nieces and nephews: Kennon Later, Grayson Kirk, Henry Kirk.
A private burial will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Greensboro. A celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at Village Pine Venue located at 1628 McCaskill Road in Carthage.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina or the Moore County Humane Society.
Online condolences may be offered at www.PinesFunerals.com.
Fry & Prickett Funeral Home is honored to serve the May family.
Penny was my childhood friend. We had so much fun growing up in Greensboro. Our parents let us have the freedom to ride our bikes all over the place and playing make believe for hours in her bedroom and attic ! I will always cherish my memories of Penny.
Oh the memories of times in my childhood spent at the Smith house on Irving Place. Grins and giggles filled with hours of free spirited fun. To the May family, Maura, and the entire extended Smith family, we send our love and comfort during this time of loss. Penny, M.B., Gris, and Robin are now together in the heavens watching over Maura along with many who are always here for her. Much love, Shirley, Phil, and Melaney Martin.
Soar with the Angels Our sweet Penny, and I do say “OUR” because as children I remember feeling like we all belonged to each other. I will treasure the memories we made on Irving Place and am so grateful for our friendship! So much has been put on your shoulders Maura so sending hugs and prayers to you, Laura, Bryan, and family.
I’m so very grateful for Penny. What a precious woman of God who loves Jesus and others so much. She did so many sweet things for me and others, from giving me some of her clothes, to dropping off Chinese food off at my door when I was sick. That’s just a few things she did for us, I’m so sorry for all who loved Penny, but I’m rejoicing she is with Jesus.
I know God has great rewards for her. Thank you Lord for Penny, what a gift she is. 56666666666666
Although I grew up in Winston ,I too got to experience Penny’s Irving Place home, bedroom and attic . Through my late friend Jane Freeze , I spent many days and nights with Penny and her Greensboro friends . I loved getting to know her and to grow up with her. She will be missed. Love to Maura and all of Penny’s family . Louise Parrish Perry
Laura and Bryan,
I have such wonderful memories of Penny. She was such a sweet and kind person. I will not be with you on Sunday, but I send my warmest thoughts and prayers to you and your families. Mollie and Caitlin also send their best.
With love, Lynn Bowness
Oh sweet Penny, how this sad world will miss all your kindness and generosity. You are one of the few real…genuine beautiful souls that I was privileged to have in my life. You were there for me when we were new neighbors, new mothers again, helping me with my preemie when my grandmom fell & broke her hip…food, time, hugs, tears, LOVE and much more came out of that big beautiful heart of gold to everyone you met. I will miss your beautiful smile & I shall always cherish our time together. And although this world shall miss you dearly, I know that our Lord is rejoicing to add you to his choir of Angels. All my love to John, Bryan & Laura & families.