Mae Francis Verax

Mae Francis Verax, a Williamstown resident, passed away at her home Wednesday morning, October 11th, 2023 following a long-fought battle with colon cancer; she was 66 years old. After first being diagnosed in 2015, she received treatment for her illness, eventually beating it into remission. Though after a five-year period of remission, the cancer returned and spread beyond the point of medical intervention. Mae’s adoring husband, Lester, never left her side and cared for her until the bitter end. “She was a tough lady- short, but tough.”

Mae was born in Owenton, Kentucky on Sunday, May 19th, 1957 to the late Alma and Willie Barber. In addition to her parents, Mae is preceded in death by her first husband, Rick Ford; one of her sons, William Barber; and a brother, Tommy Barber.

Mae graduated from Owen County High School with the class of 1975, after which she studied nursing and earned a degree from the Lincoln Memorial College of Nursing. Later in life she began work at the Grant County Foods Inc. in Dry Ridge, Kentucky where she worked the tomato line for nearly ten years until her retirement. Mae enjoyed working immensely, not missing a day of work unless she absolutely had to. “She would have worked seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day if they’d have let her.”

Mae is survived by her beloved husband, Lester; they were united in marriage on Tuesday, November 18th, 2014. The two would have celebrated their 9th wedding anniversary next month. In addition to her husband, Mae is survived by her son Ricky Ford of Olive Hill, Kentucky; as well as her brother, Frankie Barber of Florence, Kentucky.

Mae leaves a lasting legacy of her six cherished grandchildren. She was a very family-oriented person, whatever the grandkids wanted to do that day, that’s what she was doing. Whether it be spending the day playing at the park, fishing along a bank, or riding the horses around at their house- her joy came from watching the happiness she was able to provide for her grandchildren. If she ever got any time for herself, she enjoyed spending it watching detective shows on tv. A beautiful soul that would do anything for anybody; she gave, gave, gave throughout her life and never expected anything for it in return.

Mae’s remains will be laid to rest at the Williamstown City Cemetery here in Williamstown, KY. Memorial contributions may be made in Mae’s memory to Stanley Funeral Homes towards the expenses of her services.