Dr. Antoinette Y. Mays, 77, of Beaumont, Texas, passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025, in Beaumont, Texas.

Celebration of Life Service for Dr. Mays will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St.Peter Missionary Baptist Church, 4615 S. Fourth Street, Beaumont, 77705. Visitation for Dr. Mays will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at the Church, under the direction of Mercy Funeral Home in Beaumont Texas. The practicing of Social Distancing and Facial Masks Recommended.

Her Life Story

Dr. Antoinette Yvonne Scott Mays was the beloved daughter of the late Antoin Espritt and Ora Lee Simon Espritt. She was born on November 17, 1948, in Beaumont, Texas. A devoted Christian,
she committed her life to ministry and faithfully served God through her love for her family, her church, and her fellow man.
She attended and graduated from Holy Rosary Institute in Lafayette, Louisiana. In 2004, she completed her studies in Pastoral and Christian Counseling at the Therapin Institute. She later attended Lamar University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology and Sociology, followed by a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2016. Continuing her lifelong pursuit of education, she attended Hope Bible Institute, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Theological Studies and later earned her Doctorate in Biblical Psychology and Counseling in 2023.
In 2002, Dr. Mays founded the nonprofit organization Bruised But Not Broken, dedicating her time and passion to serving victims of abuse and individuals facing mental health challenges. In 2003, she also founded Amazing Works, a creative venture through which she provided unique gift-wrapping services and designed holiday and seasonal wreaths, Christmas trees, and decorative displays.
Dr. Mays worked at Lamar University in the Alumni Department as a Special Events Assistant from 2008 to 2020. She enjoyed bringing events together and took pride in participating in every
aspect of what it meant to be a true Cardinal.
Dr. Mays was a proud charter member of St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church, where she faithfully served in the Daughters of Promise, Malachi Window Kitchen Ministry, Youth Ministry, Prayer Ministry, and wherever else the Lord called her to serve.
She was a dedicated member and travelled the US with the Golden Triangle Mass Choir, Texas
Mass Choir, Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA).
Dr. Mays was preceded in death by her parents, Antoin Espritt and Ora Lee Simon Espritt, her brother, Fred A. Simon, her aunts, Eula Simon, Annie L. Simon Rix, Daisy Simon Dugar, Theresa I. Simon and her uncle David Simon, Sr.
Dr. Mays was the devoted sister to Dolores A. Sennette, Ann Victoria (Ervin), Joseph Espritt, Sr.,
David Simon, Jr. and sister/cousin Debra Simon-White.
Dr. Mays was a devoted mother to Emmanuel D. Scott, Nikkie Scott-Austin, David F. Scott, Sr., Wendell D. Mays II, Florestine Motley, Anthony D. Mays, and Matthew L. Mays. She was also cherished by loving her God-daughter,Terika Miller-Wynn.
She was a cherished grandmother, affectionately known as "Grannie," to her beloved grandchildren: Dekia Scott-Miller, A'Lexus Austin-Pires, Harold Austin, Jr. (Elsy), Antoin Austin, Kalee Nickell, Balee Smith, David Scott II, Aaron Dugas, Haydon Austin, Alaya Haigler, Isabelala Haigler, Jadyn Williams, Demar Gardner, Alayla Motley, Makayla Motley, Izayah Haigler, Jazzlynn Huval, Malcolm Scott, Marcus Scott, Ryland Streets-Mays, Reyonna Scott, Dravan Huval, Alyssa Huval, Avani S. Mays, Alaia S. Mays, Kamron Haigler and Acela J. Mays.
She was also deeply cherished by her nieces and nephews: Willie C. Sennette, III, Antoin J. Espritt, Cheresa Diggs, Marcel D. Golden, Brittany Edwards, Lauren Golden, and Joseph E. Espritt, Jr. She shared a special bond with her favorite great-nephew, Julian Sennette, whom she loved dearly. Dr. Mays was further cherished by her twenty great-grandchildren, as well as by her cousins, extended family, and many friends whose lives she has touched over the years.