From $40 Babysitting Gigs at 12 to Graduating Graduate School in Record Time Amidst Financial Struggles and Unused Degrees, Hanna Berry-May's Journey from Mendenhall, Mississippi
December 6, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 4, 2026
Hanna Berry-May, daughter of the late legendary Magee football coach and former Mayor Dale Berry, has openly shared her remarkable life experiences that have touched countless individuals across her community.
In an emotional social media post, Hanna Berry-May detailed her path through significant obstacles. Despite emerging from a family with established enterprises, she emphasized her lack of financial comfort during her youth.
“My initial employment involved babysitting on weekends starting at age 12 for $40,
Hanna Berry May's path was far from straightforward. By age 15, she secured her first official government position, and by 16, she found herself as a teenage single parent.
Managing university studies alongside caring for her child required resourcefulness. She utilized Pell Grants, educational scholarships, public assistance programs, and part-time work to sustain herself.
Her work ethic shone brightly as she balanced a full-time role at Sonic as a carhop while pursuing academic credentials through university courses and community college classes.
Through unwavering resolve, Hanna completed her undergraduate studies within three years and accelerated her education by finishing graduate school in a mere 10-month period, aided by educational funding from her father.
Although holding two degrees she no longer actively uses, she diligently maintains professional certifications and actively manages her student loan obligations.
Her narrative also reveals harrowing experiences of instability, including periods without permanent housing requiring her to reside in her vehicle due to familial disputes.
Currently, Hanna Berry May operates a flourishing enterprise in Mendenhall, Mississippi, yet maintains deep compassion for those facing similar difficulties.
In her publication, she expressed gratitude for receiving numerous messages from individuals confronting housing insecurity, overdue utilities, nutritional challenges, and other emergencies.
While extending support whenever possible, she establishes personal limits, clarifying her inability to provide indefinite financial aid or universal solutions.
“My aspiration is to evolve into a better individual each passing day,
“I recognize I'm not a savior, yet my faith in Jesus Christ anchors me through every trial,
Hanna's narrative garnered widespread admiration, eliciting warm responses from community members who praised her authenticity, resilience, and commitment to communal welfare while maintaining family priorities.
One supporter commented:
“Your resilience inspires us all! You and Chris May exemplify extraordinary generosity toward our community through sheer kindness. We all encounter hardships yet strive to assist others when able.“
Hanna Berry-May and Her Spouse Lead Innovative Electrical Services Business in Mendenhall, Mississippi
Hanna Berry-May alongside her spouse Chris May manage Daily Electric, LLC, a certified, insured electrical services provider serving Mendenhall, Mississippi, specializing in comprehensive electrical solutions.
While Hanna holds the position of Vice President at Daily Electric, LLC, her partner Chris May fulfills the role of President and licensed electrician.
Before launching her own venture, Hanna contributed as a special education educator within Simpson County School District spanning August 2012 through July 2015.
Her academic background includes a Bachelor's Degree in Education and Psychology from The University of Southern Mississippi obtained in 2010 along with a Master's Degree in Education/Taught Gifted & Talented from William Carey University in 2013.
Beyond professional accomplishments, Hanna cherishes her role as mother to three children—Heath Tullos, Holden, and Halston—regularly showcasing their lives on social platforms to celebrate familial bonds.
Heath Tullos emulated his grandfather Dale Berry's athletic legacy by competing in Junior Varsity Basketball at Simpson Academy before recent graduation.
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Suruchi, an enthusiastic business administration student, combines her passion for sports journalism with academic pursuits. Driven by curiosity and creativity, she consistently strives to broaden her expertise while sharing valuable perspectives through written works.
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