Hanna Berry-May, daughter of the late renowned Magee football coach and Mayor Edwin Dale Berry, recently opened up on social media about the many struggles and milestones that shaped her life, inspiring countless people in her community.
In a heartfelt post, Hanna Berry-May shared the challenges she faced growing up. Despite coming from a family with successful businesses, she recalled that she was never financially privileged.
“My first job was babysitting on weekends at 12 years old for $40,” she wrote, recalling funny childhood memories like flooding a neighbor’s townhouse with dish soap while trying to use the dishwasher.
Hanna Berry May’s journey was not easy. By age 15, she had her first real government job, and by 16, she became a single teenage mother.
Balancing college full-time while raising her son, she relied on Pell Grants, teacher scholarships, WIC, daycare vouchers, Medicaid, student loans, second-hand stores, and food stamps to survive.
She worked full-time as a carhop at Sonic, took university classes, and enrolled in additional online community college courses to keep moving forward.
Through sheer determination, Hanna earned her bachelor’s degree in three years and went on to complete graduate school in just 10 months, thanks in part to financial tuition assistance from her father.
Despite having two college degrees that she does not currently use, she continues to keep her licenses active and manages student loan debt.
Her story also highlighted moments of extreme hardship, including periods where she was essentially homeless and had to live out of her vehicle due to family conflicts.
Today, Hanna Berry May is a proud business owner in Mendenhall, Mississippi, but her empathy for others remains strong.
In her post, she wrote about the countless messages she has received from people struggling with eviction, past-due utility bills, food insecurity, and other crises.
While she continues to offer support when she can, Hanna sets clear boundaries for herself, noting that she cannot provide financial assistance or guarantee resources for everyone.
“My goal is to be a better person than I was the day before,” Hanna wrote.
“I am not a savior, but I have one, and that is Jesus Christ. I have lived through struggles, fear, and hardship, and I want people to know they are seen, understood, and prayed for.”
Hanna’s post resonated widely, receiving heartfelt responses from friends and community members praising her transparency, strength, and dedication to helping others while prioritizing her family.
One wrote:
“Your story makes you a strong independent wife and mama! You and Chris May have done so much for our community, just out of the kindness of your hearts. We ALL struggle but help when we can.”
Hanna Berry-May and Her Husband Own an Electric Business in Mendenhall, Mississippi
Hanna Berry-May and her husband, Chris May, are the owners of Daily Electric, LLC, a licensed, bonded, and insured electrical contractor in Mendenhall, Mississippi, that provides electrical services, installation, and maintenance.
While Hanna serves as vice president at Daily Electric, LLC, her husband, Chris, serves as president and electrician.
Prior to establishing her own business, Hanna served as a special education teacher in the Simpson County School District from August 2012 to July 2015.
Likewise, Hanna earned her Bachelor’s degree in College of Education and Psychology from The University of Southern Mississippi in 2010 and her Master’s degree in Education/Teaching of the Gifted and Talented from William Carey University in 2013.
In addition to thriving in her career, Hanna is also known as a proud mother of three children, Heath Tullos, Holden, and Halston. She often shares their pictures on social media, expressing her love and pride.
Heath Tullos followed in his late grandfather Dale Berry’s footsteps in sports. He played Junior Varsity Basketball at Simpson Academy and graduated recently.
