Nancy Fern Mays

Nancy Fern Mays, 87, of Reading, Pennsylvania, passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Reading Hospital. She was the devoted wife of George W. Mays, whom she married in May 1958 and shared 39 years of marriage until his passing on February 17, 1997.

Born in Reading, she was the daughter of the late William and Ethel (Bowen) Stuber. Nancy graduated from Reading High School in the class of 1956 and furthered her education with bookkeeping courses at Albright College, subsequently working as a bookkeeper at Citibank's 6th and Penn Street location. Additionally, she served as a lunch aid at 13th & Union School during the 1970s. A dedicated member of Community Evangelical Congregational Church in Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania. Nancy served faithfully as a Sunday School Teacher and Junior Church teacher for kids at Bethany EC church.

Along with husband George, at Rosedale Camp Grove they ran children’s Bible School and all meals at Camp grove diner while also serving as secretary for the board for 28 years. She cherished her time at Oakshire Apartments in Reading, particularly enjoying the friendships she formed and her bingo wins. Nancy and her husband George were puppeteers for the “Harty Puppets”, who performed at many events locally and surrounding states. As a valued member of the Harty Puppets, Nancy's love for travel and ministering to children was evident.

Nancy is survived by her son, Kevin Paul Mays, and his wife Karen Mays of Bernville; daughter, Gaylene Ann Pickens, and her husband Ken Pickens of Laureldale; son, Scott Denton Mays of Lititz; sister, Gale Wegener of North Carolina; six grandchildren, Whitnie Rae (Mays) of Wichita, Kansas, Britnie (Mays) Helsel and her husband Derek Helsel of Boyertown, Stacie Mays of Lancaster, Stephanie Mays of Lititz, Eric Mays of Reinholds, Jason Mays and his wife Larissa of Lebanon; three great-grandchildren, Austin Mays, Grayson Mays, and Emersyn Mays.

She is also survived by four nieces, Nancy (Schlouch) Berger and her husband Kirk Berger, Barbara (Schlouch) Nowatarski and her husband Dave Nowatarski, Stacey (Wegener) Gross and her husband Kenny Gross, Chrystie (Wegener) Maddalenda and her husband Jim Maddalenda; seven nephews, Richard Mays and his wife Dianne, Bob Mays and his wife Stephanie, Dennis Mays and his wife Joyce, Bill Mays and his wife Karen, Jim Schlouch and his wife Becky, Tate Wegener and his wife Bonnie, Corey Wegener and his wife Marie.

Nancy was predeceased by her niece, Dietra Mays.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Community Evangelical Church, located at 51 Green Valley Road, Reading, Pennsylvania 19608, on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 11:30am. A reception with light refreshments will follow in the social room. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rosedale Camp Grove at 1616 Vine Street, Reading, Pennsylvania 19605, or the Humane Society. Bean Funeral Homes in Sinking Spring is handling the arrangements, and online condolences can be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.

The family extends gratitude to Seniors Helping Seniors, particularly Anne Yoder, and her exceptional caretakers, including Pecola, Gwen, Tracy, Donna, Yvette, Jackie, Joann, Tina, Carolyn, and Stephanie. Special appreciation is also extended to Suzanne, her hairdresser, for her dedication and skill. Furthermore, the family acknowledges the compassionate care provided by the staff at Laureldale Skilled Nursing. Thanks, are also due to West Lawn church for their meal deliveries and special care, which Nancy always looked forward to on Wednesday nights. A heartfelt thank you to her best friend from school and wedding, Joan Schaffer, for her daily calls and cards, and for reuniting in close proximity later in life.