Marie Ann May Gales of Lumberton, NC passed away peacefully on Friday, February 14, 2025 at the age of 86. Better known as simply Ann Gales, she was the daughter of the late William Marvin May and Lizzie Watson May both of Lumberton.

Ann was the fifth of nine children born on July 25, 1938 in Harnett county, North Carolina. After graduating from Lumberton Senior High School in 1956, Ann moved to Charlotte NC to obtain her cosmetology license and was employed in both Charlotte and Darlington as a cosmetologist. She was married to Hilton Gales in 1958, eventually settling in Lumberton where they raised their three children.

Ann worked in the office of the First Presbyterian Church of Lumberton before she gained employment with Currie Chain Saw where she worked for over 50 years. Outside of work, she enjoyed art, knitting, crocheting, basket weaving, baking and other creative outlets. In 1971, she enrolled in the continuing education program at Pembroke State University, taking classes in drawing, painting and pottery. Her creative talents were not only contained within the visual arts. Her original recipe for pounds cakes was the origin of Ann's Southern Delights which she owned and operated out of her home for over 30 years. She specialized in baking and decorating cakes for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and other occasions. Her reputation for both beautiful and delicious cakes procured her the nickname of  "Cake Lady" in the surrounding area. Local residents and many people beyond Robeson County sought her out not only for her amazing cakes but also her catering.

Ann was devoted to her work and family and spent many vacations at Ocean Isle Beach. She was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church of Lumberton. While her rheumatoid arthritis prevented her from attending services in person later in life, she often spoke of her conversations with God, asking him to guard and protect all her family, especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. One of the things that Ann enjoyed most was sharing stories of her family to others.

Ann will be deeply missed, but her spirit and love will always remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Hilton Gales, and her siblings: J.T. May, Buddy May, and Judy Kale.

She is survived by her children: John Hilton Gales of Lumberton, NC, Melinda Gales Hedgpeth and husband Robert of Lumberton, NC, and Jennifer "Ginger" Gales Lewis and husband Craig of Baltimore, MD; four grandchildren: Thad Hedgpeth (Talara) of Greenfield, NY, Brooke Keit (Weston) of Winston-Salem, NC, Bryant Lewis, Ann-Bradley Lewis; and great-grandchildren: Leila, Johnsie-Parker, and Teddy Hedgpeth and Libby and Lucy Keit. She is also survived by brothers and sisters: Earl May, Roy May, Jerry May, Elizabeth Shaw, and Frances Frank, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held 11:30 a.m. on Friday, February, 21, 2025, at Midway Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 9115 NC 130 in Maxton, NC 28364. The family will provide refreshments and receive guests immediately following in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Rheumatology Research Foundation at rheumresearch.org or Midway Presbyterian Church by mailing a donation to the address above.