In loving memory of May Spears Nolen

May Isabel Spears Nolen, affectionately known as MayBell to most, mom to some, and Grandma to a few, was born in Alvin, Texas, on March 28, 1948, to Richard Lee and Margaret Hicks Spears.

MayBell met Jerry A. Nolen at a dance hall called Iowa Colony in the Fall of 1965. She wasn’t allowed to date, at the time, so he would go to the bowling alley where her parents bowled so they could meet up. After a few months they decided to get married. As she still wasn’t allowed to date they scheduled the wedding for 3 days before her birthday, she was 17. Her Dad had to sign for her to get married, when he did that he basically gave them his blessing to marry. On March 25, 1966 they officially tied the knot. They were married for 60 years.

MayBell was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandma, friend, and cherished member of her family. She will be remembered for the love she gave, the memories she created, and the special place she held in the hearts of those who knew her. MayBell is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Margaret Spears, and her brothers, R.L. Spears and Aquila Tobias Spears.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Jerry A. Nolen, Sr; her son, Jerry A. Nolen, Jr; her two daughters, Kerry Nolen Byrd (Lance) and Tara Marie Nolen Pierce (Jody); and her three beloved grandsons, Bradley Scott Nolen, Brandon Lee Nolen, and J. Michael Pierce, II (Bell).

MayBell’s greatest legacy is the family she loved and the lives she touched. Though she is no longer with us, the love she shared and the memories she created will remain in the hearts of her family and all who have had the privilege of knowing her.

Her memory will be treasured, her presence deeply missed, and her love carried forward by those she leaves behind.

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever our MayBell.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026, from 10:30 AM until the funeral service begins at 12:00 PM at Primrose Funeral Services of Devine. Shelter service will take place at Shelter #3, at 2:30 PM, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, Texas 78209.

Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the online guestbook may do so by visiting www.primrosefuneralservices.com Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services, 303 W. College Ave., Devine, Texas 78016, (830) 663-4445.