May Schnexnayder Adams

May Schnexnayder Adams, 85, of Gulfport, MS passed away Monday, October 11, 2021 at Crystal’s Place in Ocean Springs, MS.

May was born in New Orleans, LA on January 21, 1936. She attended Redemptorist High School in New Orleans and it was there she met her high school sweetheart, LJ (Leon) Adams. They were married in 1954. She was also a resident of Marrero, LA and Houston, TX before she and LJ settled in Gulfport, MS upon his retirement.  In her early years she was a homemaker and owned her own hair salon. While living in Houston, she spent her time volunteering at the local hospital – delivering magazines and books to patients, playing card games and talking and spending time with them was her favorite. She would make small plastic canvass magnets or pins to deliver to them for all the holidays. She would even hold an “arts and crafts” class from time to time. When LJ retired, they decided to move to Gulfport, MS to be closer to their son, David and his family….and to the casinos.  She was an avid video poker player and enjoyed the variety of casinos found on the Gulf Coast. She also loved crocheting and making things with plastic canvas. Known for her afghans and tissue box covers, she was still making these as gifts right up to her death. She loved watching the many species of birds that visited her feeders and could sit outside on her porch watching them for hours. She loved all her family, but especially doted on her two grand-daughters, Emilie and Molly. She could tell you stories of them and show you their pictures at a moment’s notice. She was present for every event in their lives and was their biggest cheerleader.

May is preceded in death by her husband Leon (LJ) Adams; father, Melvin Schexnayder; mother, Carrie Adams; brother, Joseph Frank Ecosta and sister, Marie Augustine Adams.

May is survived by her biggest joy, her son, David and her daughter-in-law, Angela of Belle Chasse, LA; her beautiful granddaughters, Emilie and Molly Adams; a host of nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; great-great nieces and nephews and her very first great great-great niece, Dru Blair. She left behind her very dear friend Nellie Abadie and some very wonderful and thoughtful neighbors who helped care for her while she was still in her home.

A special Thank You to Crystal & Carla at Crystal’s Place who gave her impeccable care and lots of love until the very end; Sandra and the staff at SAAD Healthcare; Dr. Andrew Peterson and his staff in Biloxi; and Dr. Scott Sonnier and his staff at the Touro Infirmary Oncology office, whose patience and caring has been a blessing for these past years.

Services for May on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, will begin with visitation at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church at 2414 17th St. Gulfport, MS from 9 – 10am, with a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 10am. Afterwards, there will be a private Committal Service at Biloxi National Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with her beloved LJ.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John the Evangelist Church in her name.

Pallbearers will be Troy Landry, Jason Landry, Jody Cantrelle, Micky Schultz, Al Miller, and Edward Theriot

Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, is serving the family.