Biographical Info: Clarita Mays, transitioned, July 16, 2018

Born:   Detroit, MI August 28, 1953 to Andrew Charles Mays & Marion (nee Hunt) Mays

Attended: O.W. Holmes Elementary School, Cass Technical High School's Performance Arts Curriculum.  Graduated from Wayne State's School of Education in 1976 and received her Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan in 1986.  Education was very important to Clarita who participated in graduate, spiritual, and personal development classes and opportunities throughout her life.

Clarita held a variety of positions throughout her work career including positions at Conyers Ford Dealership, Detroit Free Press, Chevrolet Gear & Axle Plant, GM Technical Center, Detroit Area Agency on Aging and the Community Foundation of Southeastern Michigan. She was an Assistant Dean in the Office of Student Services at the University of Michigan's School of Social Work from 1993-1999.  She had returned to work in OSS part-time over the last five years.  Prior to that, she was hired to lead the school's office of Minority Affairs from 1988-1992.  She enjoyed recruiting, engaging and supporting people who wanted to pursue this helping need.

Clarita loved learning, world traveling, reading and being supportive of peoples' dreams. Her desire was to find "Clarity within the maze of life" and not to grow old with a lot of regrets of things she wished she had done.  Clarita accepted Christ early, High School year, 1971.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Lawrence McKelvey of 27 years.

Siblings: Larry (Shirley) Mays, Gary Mays, Darlene (Cedric) Garland

Stepdaughters: Karen (Bruce) Copus, Dana McKelvey, Holly (Michael) Lorigan, D.O.

Grandchildren: Colin (Danielle) Copus, Caroline Copus, Hannah Lorigan, Emma Lorigan, Cole Lorigan

Great Grandchildren: Connor Copus, Brandon Copus

Nephews: Larry Mays, Jr., Jason Mays, Randy Mays, Paul Dersey

Nieces: Natashia Garland, Alicia Garland, Marisa (Michael) Conroy

Godson: Trooper, Stephen James

Sister and Brother- in -law: Janet and Ken Dersey,
Great Nieces and Nephews, host of loving friends and colleagues.

Memorial to be held, Sat. July 21, 2018 at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, 18700 James Couzens, Detroit, MI   Officiant:  Dr. Charles G. Adams, Family Hour 10:00am, Service 11:00 am

Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery 19975 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48203

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Scleroderma Foundation of Michigan, Chapter 23999 Telegraph Rd., Southfield, MI 48033, would be appreciated.