Patricia Andrews Mays went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, May 2, 2025. She just missed her 82nd birthday by seven days.
Patty began her journey into this world on Mother’s Day, while her mother was at Orcutt Avenue Baptist Church. She was a native of Newport News, born in Elizabeth Buxton Hospital on May 9, 1943. Patty grew up in the Stuart Gardens area of Newport News. She was a graduate of Newport News High School, Class of 1961, where she was a member of the National Honor Society and played in the band. She attended Christopher Newport College when it was a division of the College of William and Mary.
Patty worked at the Newport News Police Department I.D. Bureau, served as Secretary to the Pastor of Orcutt Baptist Church and was Librarian at Orcutt Baptist School. Patty was a dedicated member of Orcutt Baptist Church for 56 years and Northside Christian Church for the last 25 years, where she taught many classes and volunteered in various ministries.
Patty loved her family deeply, especially her precious grandchildren. She was known for her fun spirit and hospitality as well as being an encourager and a prayer warrior. She loved game nights and festive family holiday celebrations. She always had a smile and made everyone feel loved.
Patty was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Mickey K. Andrews and her brother, Raymond. Her maternal grandparents came through Ellis Island from Poland. Her paternal grandparents resided in Hampton, Virginia.
She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Frederick W. Mays, whom she met and married at Orcutt Avenue Baptist Church on August 28, 1965. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Erick and Tara Mays; daughter, Ansley Mays Trice; her beloved grandchildren, Payton and Reed Mays, and Mays and Massie Trice; her brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Cheryl Howard, Don and Mary Anne Davis, and Pat Andrews; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who loved her dearly.
Patty always read the Christmas Story at the family gatherings on Christmas Eve. This year she will read it in heaven. She will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 10 at Northside Christian Church, 1300 George Washington Memorial Highway, Yorktown, VA 23693. A Family Graveside will be held on Friday, May 9 at Peninsula Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials take the form of contributions to Northside Christian Church or Orcutt Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23601.
16 Comments
May you have peace and strength, knowing Patty is healed. We will miss her so much especially at Christmas. She will always be a sweet memory. We look forward to seeing Patty again one day. May the circle be unbroken!
I have known Patty for over 75 years. We were not close in our early years but as we became adults in our early twenties, we had so much in common at church and serving the Lord that we became fast friends. I can’t begin to say how much I will miss her. She had such a loving and caring way with everyone. She was always encouraging others and you knew she was praying for you. Patty loved her family and she loved our Lord and Savior. Going home to be with Jesus was what she lived for. Patty, I will miss you and am jealous that you are in heaven, but in a good way.
To Fred and your wonderful family, please accept our sincere condolences in the loss of Patty. She was the epitome of a Christian Lady who put Christ first in her life. She was a stalwart in her church. Patty’s selflessness ensured she always enjoyed many friends. She shared her love generously and made an impact on many a life through encouragement. Her wonderful sharing spirit and sharp intellect will be sorely missed. She now rests in the peace with the Lord. Our prayers are with Fred and the family during this difficult time, and May the Lord lay his loving hand upon your broken hearts during this difficult time.
Patty was a true Christian lady. She blessed so many people with her friendship, love and prayers. I am so very thankful to have known her. Love and prayers for Fred and her beautiful family🙏🙏❤️
So sad for the Mays family’s loss. You are all in my prayers.
Will miss my cousin so much. Patty always took an interest in me and my sisters even though we were younger than her. She was my Sunday School teacher. She helped me look for my first job. She and Fred took us on a picnic when they first married. I know she is in Heaven and is no longer in pain. I’m so sorry Ansley and Erick, and families, for your loss. My prayers go out to you.
When we lived in Newport News we went to church at Orcutt and fell in love with Patty.. we had a 3 yy old daughter we had named Ansley And Patty asked if we would mind her using that name for her daughter.. and we were delighted for her to do so.. she was a special friend and I know she was welcomed by Jesus at the Pearly Gates..our prayers are with all the family.
My condolences and prayers go out to Fred Mays in the loss of his wife and Ansley Mays Trice and Erick Mays, and their children, in the loss of their mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
To the Mays family and Fred, I was so sorry to hear of Patty’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sorry for the loss of Patty, but hope you have many wonderful memories of her while here on earth. May the presence of God’s Peace and the caring of love ones bring you comfort.
Patty was a loving person. I knew her and Fred from high school days at Newport News High School, and then again as neighbors ar Landsdown in Newport News. Sorry for your loss, Fred. May Patty rest in peace.
Sincerely, Mary and Ervin Horne, Winchester, VA
Fred, Erick, Ansley and family, we send our deepest condolences for the loss of Patty. She was a beacon of light who touched the life of so many through her generous and caring nature. Our prayer for y’all in the difficult days ahead is that each time you look toward heaven, you will feel the warmth of her smile on your face, and it brings you peace knowing she is healthy and is with her Lord and Savior. May God give you strength and comfort in the coming days!
I knew Patty from our high school days and then again as neighbors in Lansdown. So sorry for your loss, Fred.
May you rest in peace, Patty.
Sincerely in Christ’s name, Mary and Ervin Horne
Winchester,VA
I’m so sorry for your loss, Fred, Erick, Tara, and Ansley. I’m glad all the grandchildren got to know what a joyful person Patty was and to know how much she loved them. She and Fred have a special place in our hearts. There is no doubt that she is with her Lord and Savior in heaven. Our prayers are with the whole family.
My deepest condolences to Ansley and family on the passing of Ms Mays. May God continue to bless and keep you all during your time of bereavement.
Patty was a very wonderful Christian lady and will be missed by many. I really enjoyed being in the ladies bible study class with her. We shared so many stories and Patty would always light up when talking about her family and how she loved them dearly. I will truly miss this sweet and dear friend. My deepest condolences go out to Fred and her family.