Whiz May

Ella Katheryn (Sparks) May went to be with her Lord and Savior into eternal glory on January 6, 2025. 

She is preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, William Edward (Eddie) May, brother Sam Sparks, numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews. She is survived by her only child, Jayre Dianne May-Vicars (Buster) of Bayview, her only grandchild, Annlyn Alysse May Podojil (Logan), great-grandchildren, Ella Katheryn Podojil, Luke Reid Podojil, and Lillian Kay Podojil, of New Braunfels. 

Ella Katheryn, or Whiz as she was lovingly called, was born June 4, 1931 in Fayette, Alabama to Whitt and Vera Sparks. She grew up on a farming homestead in Santa Rosa, Texas where she learned to love nature, animals, and the Lord. She graduated high school in Edinburg, Texas and attended North Texas Women’s college until she was called home to help care for her dying father. In 1951 she married Eddie and they soon built their first home together on Primera Road, Primera, Texas. Over the years they moved twice into homes they built in Harlingen. They enjoyed a bay home on South Padre Island for many years, but then decided to go north. They purchased a home on the beach in a beautiful seaside town of Campbell River, BC, Canada, on the east coast of Vancouver Island. For more than 20 years, they spent up to six months a year salmon fishing on the Strait of Georgia and enjoying the exceptional beauty and tranquility that can only be found in such a paradise. They learned to smoke and cure salmon and those that were fortunate to get a can or two raved at how delicious it was. Whiz curated a phenomenal recipe for Salmon pâté that was made with her husband’s freshly smoked salmon, and served it to many loved ones at her home in Canada and Harlingen.

Whiz was an exceptionally loving wife and mother. She put others first and taught by example, and what an example of a good woman she was! She is known for always having a smile and giving her all whenever needed. 

She was a true Southern lady. She would fry up the best venison back strap and quail with cream gravy after Eddie’s hunts. He once commented that he ate so much gravy, that he cut himself shaving and bled cream gravy! She was an excellent baker and she shared with many who enjoyed her biscuits, pumpkin bread, banana nut bread, oatmeal muffins, Mexican chocolate cake, and many more countless treats.

Her passions started with her love for the Lord, her family, her country, her 8th and Harrison Church of Christ family, and friends. She adored all animals, especially her beloved dogs Hans, Shana, Hilda, Benji, Chula, and Katy. She always had a cat in her lap and fed the strays as if they were her own. Letting an animal go hungry was not an option if Whiz was around. Her love for birds was apparent with her birdseed bill every month. She fed hundreds of ducks, until one day when they returned from Canada, the ducks had taken over the property awaiting her return. She never met an animal she did not love.

Whiz was also known for her flowers and keeping a gorgeously tended yard in both Harlingen and in Canada, where the plants grew more vividly and easily in the temperate climate. She cross-pollinated Amaryllis, creating new colors and patterns. Her green thumb knew no bounds. The hours she spent growing lovely blooms brought joy not only to her, but to all who were lucky enough to see them. 

She loved to entertain and was the “hostess with the mostest”. She was comfortable throwing an intimate dinner party or a huge elaborate gathering. She held her own with dignitaries, generals, admirals, and performers of the era like Tennessee Ernie Ford, who stayed with them during the CAF Air shows, and many friends and family. Everyone was treated wonderfully and graciously as only Whiz could do. 

She welcomed Dianne’s friends at any time and so enjoyed hearing the girlfriends singing at the piano or blasting the Beatles on the stereo.

Whiz was never seen angry. A cross word never came from her lips. She had a smile for everyone and never said anything negative about anyone, “bless their hearts” was about all that she ever said, and that pretty much does say it all. 

She was the epitome of Southern hospitality, charm, grace, and always humble. She was a genuine woman with deep faith for the Lord Jesus, love for mankind, and all of God’s creation. She adored her daughter and husband and served both with all she had to give. Once becoming a grandmother, she doted on Annlyn like no other could. The memories she made with family will be cherished for a lifetime.

Mama, as she came to be known by her family after becoming a grandmother, was the best. It’s impossible to put into words how marvelous of a woman she was and how many lives she impacted during her nearly 94 years on Earth. 

On the wings of angels she left this Earth, and we know she is reunited with the love of her life, Eddie, and the many she loved that went before her. We hold her dear to our hearts and are forever thankful God gave her to us. 

The family wishes to thank Yvette Cano and her Assisted Living staff, for the several years of devotion and care they provided her, and Concord Hospice Care for the dignity and compassion they showed her during her last days. 

In Lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in her name to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 8th & Harrison Church of Christ Harlingen, or any no-kill animal shelter or animal rescue of your choice.