Thomas Shields Mays

March 31, 1938 - June 28, 2020

Thomas Shields Mays, age 82, of Water Valley, MS died peacefully Sunday, June 28, 2020, at his home. He was born March 31, 1938, in Memphis, TN. Thomas received his early education in the Clarksdale public schools, where he graduated in 1957. He then attended Wood Community College, Millsaps College, and received his B.S. in Education degree from Delta State in 1963. In 1969, he earned his Masters of English degree from Delta State University. He began his long teaching career at West Tallahatchie High School in Webb, MS, where for thirteen years he taught 11th and 12th-grade English. He was chairman of the English department and was one of the senior class sponsors. After a ten year term of employment with the mental health center in Greenwood, he returned to teaching English at Greenwood High School. The family requests any memorial gifts be sent to the Episcopal Church of the Advent in Sumner, MS, or the music or English departments at Delta State University. Visitation is planned for Wednesday, July 1, 2020, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at The Episcopal Church of the Advent in Sumner, MS. Services will follow at 11:00 AM in the with Rev. Jennifer Southall officiating. Burial will be in Oakridge Cemetery in Clarksdale, MS. Thomas is survived by his partner of over forty years, Bob Coker; as well as numerous cousins and friends. Thomas was preceded in death by his mother, Leathie Ann Swindoll; his step-father, Russell Swindoll; two step-sisters, Mary Swindoll, Betty Graves; one step-brother, Harold Swindoll; and one aunt, Pauline Austin.