May Cratchan

In the comfort of her home surrounded by family, May Cratchan departed this earth on Tuesday, July 7, 2020. Born on January 9, 1932 to the late Etienne Folse, Jr. and Lizzie Folse, in Taft, Louisiana, May would lead a life filled with family, laughter, good cooking, and service to others. May’s greatest joy as a dedicated and faithful mother was taking care of her family and ensuring that they had everything they needed to succeed in life. Any time she could spend with her family, especially her grandchildren, brought her great happiness. Cooking was her passion, and nothing would delight May more than being in her kitchen cooking up one of her delicious meals for visitors to her home. Her generous spirit of hospitality made her a sought after “room grandmother” at Edwards Elementary School. If ever you had the chance to be around her, you were one of the lucky ones. She was a joy to be around and had a great spirit of encouraging others with her positive outlook on life. She enjoyed having her morning cup of coffee at the start of each day. May and her late ex-husband, John Cratchan, Jr., who was a member of the United States Air Force, resided in Pittsburg, New York with their family for three years, followed by Oakland, California for four years. In 1975, May and her family moved to New Orleans where she and her family lived until she departed this life. May was preceded in death by her parents Etienne Folse, Jr. and Lizzie Folse, a brother Curtis Folse, a sister Carrie Mae Wheeler, and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins. Left to cherish her memories are her five devoted children: Michael (Thea) Cratchan, Sr, Linda Cratchan (Ron Boykins), Ronnie Cratchan, Denise Cratchan and Jean Cratchan; nine grandchildren: Keva (Edward) Johnson, Tayika Cratchan, Damien Cratchan, Sr. (fiancé-Jearron Price), Michael (Michelle) Cratchan, Jr., Shawn (Akim) Hayes, Ronald Boykins, Jr. (friend-Bianca Martin), Delesa (Timothy) Williams, Tiyoka Cratchan and David Boykins (friend-Tameria Riche), 20 great grandchildren, and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Funeral Service on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave. New Orleans, LA 70125 at 1:00pm. Visitation will begin at 12:00pm. Due to COVID 19 please follow social distancing guidelines and a mask is required to attend the service. Interment: Lakelawn Metairie Cemetery. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70125.