Ms. Banesha Mays

Ms. Banesha Deane Mays affectionately known as “Nene,” “Ma” and “Baby Cakes,” departed this life on Sunday, February 25, 2024 at Miller County Hospital, Colquitt, Georgia. Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the T. J. Elder Community Center, 316 Hall Street, Sandersville, Georgia with Elder David Bryant officiating. Interment was held in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens.

Ms. Mays was born December 9, 1982 to the parentage of Mrs. Barbara Mays (Michael) Dickerson and Mr. Derek Giddens.

Nene attended the public schools of Brooklyn, New York and later relocated to Tennille, Georgia where she graduated from Washington County High School.

She continued her adult legacy, meeting the love of her life Mr. Maurice Stevens, Sr. They were blessed with two sons to which she dedicated her life to raising. Her attention to her young men was unconditional, a true example of a Mother’s Love. 

Her younger days were spent participating at the Salvation   Army Recreation Center in Brooklyn, New York with her     cousins and best friends. There was never a dull moment when Nene, her cousins and friends gathered at the house practicing dance moves, perfecting their beauty tips and hair styles and  sampling her mothers perfumes. Her expressions of excitement were hilarious (AOWWN, get it get it and ballinggg) were just a few.  

Nene loved returning to her favorite place, Brooklyn, New York. Her first stops were to buy blue crabs, New York pizza, Chinese chicken wings with french fries and BBQ spare rib tips. Also while there she enjoyed trips to Coney Island and Atlantic City.

She loved her family, fishing, cooking, being around the kids (all kids) and good conversation. Her smile was just as radiant as her personality. She embodied the best qualities of unconditional love, strength of spirit and unending generosity that was seen in her care for her grandmother, mother, children, entire family and countless others.

Her departure comes as a great shock and a deep wound that is greatly felt by her entire family, friends and countless others who loved her deeply.

Ms. Mays leaves cherished memories to her two sons: Mr. Maurice Stevens, Jr., Mr. Makhi Stevens; parents: Mrs. Barbara (Michael) Dickerson, Mr. Derek Giddens; companion: Mr. Maurice Stevens, Sr.; siblings: Mr. Michael Jeffrey, Ms. Khalilah Dickerson, Ms. Keisha  Hudson, Ms. Ya-Shama White; special   devoted uncle: Mr. Larry Mays; devoted brother/cuz: Mr. Larry Mays, Jr.; special devoted sister/cuzs: Melinda (Bay-Bay), Tiffany, Nyesha, Tamara; devoted sister/friend: Ms. Blair Lessane; a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends. M. C. Smith Funeral Home in charge.