March 24th 2024.
After a long and eventful career as a councilman for Flint, Michigan, Eric Mays was finally laid to rest on March 23. Unfortunately, his funeral had been delayed for almost a month due to a legal dispute over the handling of his body.
It all started when Eric's son, also named Eric, filed a lawsuit against the Lawrence E. Moon Funeral home. Despite his elder relatives reaching out to the company, the younger Eric felt the need to take legal action. However, the court ruled against him, stating that he had not contacted the funeral home within the required 72-hour window. As a result, he lost the rights to make decisions about his father's body.
But in a surprising turn of events, the funeral home eventually surrendered the rights to Eric's son, allowing the funeral to proceed after the long delay. It was a moment of relief for the family and friends of the late councilman.
Eric Mays had been a councilman since 2013, serving the community until his untimely death on February 24. According to M Live, he was known as a "polarizing and strong-willed" member of the council. His fellow councilwoman, Tonya Burns, spoke highly of his passion for his community and his fearlessness in speaking his truth.
Tonya expressed, "Mays wasn't afraid to speak his mind. He made it known that he was a proud Black man from the north side of Flint...As a councilman, he shed light on important issues such as the Flint water crisis, labor unions, and the House of Esther."
Eric Mays was one of the first elected officials in Flint to acknowledge the water crisis and used his platform to raise awareness and fight for justice alongside local advocates. Sadly, he passed away while still battling against a 90-day suspension for misconduct and use of "racist rhetoric" during a special meeting in December of 2023.
During his time as a councilman, Eric often clashed with other lawmakers, leading to lawsuits against the current Mayor Sheldon Neely, the police chief, and fellow council members. He even ran for mayor in three different election cycles, with his trademark catchphrase "Point of Order" gaining popularity on social media.
Despite his controversies and legal battles, Eric's dedication to his city and community was undeniable. He was a beloved figure in Flint and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. At the age of 65, Eric was laid to rest at Sunset Hills Cemetery, a place he held dear to his heart. He may be gone, but his legacy and impact on the city of Flint will live on. Rest in peace, Eric Mays.
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