May Halverson

 (From Parker Mortuary)

May Irene Halverson, age 92, of Joplin, MO, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at Freeman Hospital in Joplin.

May was born on May 17, 1933 in Gravette, AR to the union of Houston and Maude (Baker) Lewellen. She was one of seven children. She married Deno Donald Halverson on May 20, 1958 in Miami, OK. Together they were blessed with 27 years of marriage before his passing in April of 1986. 

May lived with a straightforward honesty that those around her came to appreciate, and she was known for being very blunt in the most endearing way. May devoted a meaningful part of her working life to serving as a cook at Memorial High School in Joplin, Missouri. 

Faith was an important part of May’s life, and she cherished attending her Sunday School class. She began worshipping at Fairview Baptist Church then Spring City Baptist Church until finding her home at Forest Park Church. She loved riding the MAPS Trolley to the Mall, JC Penny’s, and Chick-fil-a, to which everyone knew her by name. She enjoyed spending time with her great-grandchildren at Silver Dollar City and at school band concerts. 

Travel also brought May joy, particularly her trips to Omaha to see her grandchildren. Her family and friends will remember her for her honesty, her devotion, and the warmth she shared in her own unique manner.

In addition to her parents and husband, May was preceded in death by four sisters, Fern Beaver, Barbara Wills, Betty Lewellen and Rosemary McGarrah; and son-in-law, Orval Nelson.

May is survived by her daughter, Debbie Nelson; two grandchildren, Joshua Nelson (Staci) and Justin Nelson (Alisha); four great-grandchildren, Justin Dakota Nelson, Joseph Dale Nelson, Jacob David Nelson and Jesse Duane Nelson; two sisters, Susan Gates (J.D.) and Linda Gonzalez; and a host of extended nieces, nephews and friends.


Funeral services are pending.




Funeral arrangements are under the special care and direction of Parker Mortuary.