Born and raised in East Saint Louis, IL, DeMario May Jr. was a pure and obedient vessel of God who demonstrated an abundance of love to not only his family, but his community in which he severely served, influenced and impacted. DeMario was a former East Saint Louis Senior High School student. After graduating, he enlisted into the U.S Army and later decided to advance his education by completing his Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice at Lincoln University located in Jefferson City, MO and Masters degree in Education at National Louis University located in Chicago, IL. 

DeMario served as a fifth grade educator at Avant Elementary school where he was used by God to influence and give back to his community by extending his love and wisdom in after school programs such as 21st century (after school enrichment program) and the KINGS boy group (mentoring group for 3rd-5th grade boys) where he served as Co-Founder. 

Submitting and responding to God’s heart pull, DeMario walked in faith and prayer and decided to study and apply for law school where he would later be accepted into and rewarded the Merit-Based scholarship at Southern University’s Law Center in Baton Rouge, LA. 

God called his faithful servant home to the Promised Land in May 2023, which, in fact, declares DeMario’s completed purpose on earth. Through his life, may we remember that an invitation to the eternal Promised Land is far more rewarding than earthly accolades. 

In the last months of DeMario’s earthly life, he professed God’s love and provision over his life with much gratitude. He articulated his plan to fund an annual scholarship to the East Saint Louis Senior High School Seniors to aid in furthering education and promoting faith over sight. Here, DeMario’s love song to the children of his community is in fruition. He is most remembered by his heart posture, his fruit of the spirit and his selfless love.

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’’ Matt 25:23 NIV