Elsie Lorraine Maddux May

Elsie Maddux May, 96, passed away on October 26, 2023, in Abilene, Texas

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home in Waco, Texas.

Elsie was born in Hewitt, Texas on May 24, 1927, to Elmer G. Maddux and Gladys Russell Maddux. Elsie attended Lorena schools as a child and later graduated from Texas Women’s University in 1948 with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education.

Elsie dedicated her life to teaching and positively impacted the lives of many students. She taught first grade in Greenville, Texas, San Marcos, Texas, and at North Waco Elementary in Waco. Among her students, Larry Northern held a special place in her heart.

Elsie was a devoted member of Columbus Avenue Baptist Church, where she actively participated in the Mixson Sunday school class. In 1952, she married Karl M. May, and together they shared 46 years of marriage until his passing in 1998. Elsie was not only a passionate reader but also an avid bridge player and a talented seamstress. One of her favorite authors was Sandra Brown, who coincidentally served as the flower girl at Elsie and Karl’s wedding.

Elsie was preceded in death by her husband, Karl M. May; daughter, Lauri May Smith; son, Mike May; and her brother, J.W. Maddux.

She is survived by her daughter, Karel May Hoffmann of Waco; granddaughter, Dr. Ashley May Hernandez, her husband, Robert, and their daughter, Maddux, of Houston. She is also survived by her granddaughter, Kelsie Smith; grandson, Karlson Smith, both of Waco; brother, Charles Maddux, and his wife, Margaret; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Compassion Ministries, https://compassionwaco.com/, Meals on Wheels, https://mowwaco.org/, or the charity of your choice.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” 1 Corinthians 2:9

The family invites you to leave a message or memory of Elsie on her "Tribute Wall" at www.WHBfamily.com.