Biography: Susan May, born February 27, 1934, in Little Rock to Jack East, Sr. of Texarkana and Frances Sue Edwards East of Lonoke. When Susan grew up in her family’s newly constructed home at #1 Cantrell Road, she walked to where she boarded her horse at what was then Little Rock’s western edge, east of Tanglewood Shopping Center. Susan was a graduate of Little Rock High School and earned an associate’s degree from Mt. Vernon Women’s College in Washington DC. During this time, women were required to earn an associate’s degree before they could attend many 4-year colleges. Susan transferred to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she received her bachelor’s degree in political science. 

Susan married Jim Gray, Sr in 1956, just before they moved to Bury St. Edmonds, England, where Jim served as a US Air Force officer.  This was a happy time in Susan’s life where she gained a lifelong love for international travel. 

Susan and Jim returned to Little Rock to raise their family around the time of the desegregation crisis in 1957.  Helping to address this inspired Susan’s interest in civic activism.  One example was Susan’s resignation from the Junior League of Little Rock in 1967, with eight other women who were protesting the blanket exclusion of Jews from the Junior League.  Susan was a named plaintiff in the civil action that resulted in fully desegregating the Little Rock School District in the late 1960s.  Susan was a member of multiple women’s groups until the end of her life, including “Wednesday Women.”  Susan became involved in Democratic party politics in the 1970s.  In the 1990s, Susan formed Arkansas’ first Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) chapter. 

Susan worked her way to an executive role as the General Manager of radio stations KEZQ and KALO in the mid-1970s, when few women achieved top leadership levels.  Susan was passionate about Iyengar yoga, which she practiced for over 40 years.  Susan and Jim divorced.  In 1975, Susan married Ronald A. May, the love of her life.

Later in her life, Susan remained civically active, volunteering at the Clinton Presidential Library, the Clinton School of Public Service and the UAMS Reynolds Center, all until shortly before her death.

Susan is predeceased by her parents; her first and second husbands and her brothers, Jack East, Jr. and Jon East.  Susan is survived by her three children, Jim Gray, Jr. (Henry Louie), Washington DC; Suzy Gray, San Antonio, TX; and Frances Fayard (Calvin) and her grandson Carter Gray Fayard, New Orleans, LA.  She is also survived by her stepchildren, Sarah Leflar (Rob); Jonathan May (Janie); Andy May (Missy Morris); and Rachel May (Doug Dusini) and their children.

A celebration of Susan’s life will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, August 27 at Christ Episcopal Church with a reception following at the Junior League of Little Rock.  Memorials may be made in Susan’s memory to the Center for Civic Leadership in Arkansas, Camp Mitchell Episcopal Camps and Conference Center, Mount Holly Cemetery, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com