Shirley Ann May

Our angel, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and wife Shirley Ann May, 84, honorably graduated from mortality on November 24, 2024. She passed from this life peacefully surrounded by her daughter and husband who will miss her dearly. She lived courageously, with grace and dignity, and was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Shirley was born in Enid, Oklahoma to Hue Roy and Roxie Ola Sparks on August 13, 1940. Shirley lived in Enid a short time before relocating with her family to Arkansas City, Kansas. Shirley was active in sports and enjoyed fishing while growing up surrounded by her 4 brothers and 1 sister. In Arkansas City she met her first love, Fred Koonce from Winfield, Kansas. Shirley and Fred married and had 3 children – Melvin, Tresa and Chris which were her pride and joy. Shirley and the family relocated several times throughout Oklahoma and Kansas before a new work promotion from Sarah Coventry Jewelry took her and the family to Bountiful, Utah. “God’s Country” she called it. Utah offered a totally different style of life with the mountains, skiing, motorcycles, fishing, and Las Vegas were at her doorstep in Bountiful and she enjoyed them all. Work and family took her all over the world and she enjoyed every bit of the travels. While in Utah, Shirley and Fred drifted apart and ended up divorcing in 1978.

Shirley met her soulmate Richard (Dick) May, and it was love at first sight. Shirley and Dick married June 21, 1978. Dick had 5 children from his previous marriage. Not only did Shirley get a new love in her life, she also got 4 bonus daughters and 1 bonus son and was loved by all of Dick’s children. Shirley now had a total of 8 children. It wasn’t long after Shirley and Dick married that they relocated to Texas. Shirley found paradise in Texas. Shirley felt right at home and her and Dick enjoyed endless days and nights enjoying the sights and sounds of the Hill Country. Living the dream in Texas! Together they were a power couple on the scene. Shirley was one of the most glamorous women to ever walk into Gruene Hall and take the dance floor. Shirley was a huge Cowboys, Texans, and Chiefs fan.

Shirley was known as Daisy from all her family and friends. Shortly after she met Dick she came up with the name “Daisy” since her mom called her “Daisy May” now that her last name would be May.

Shirley and her cousin Jo Whaley Hayes of Oxford, Kansas were extremely close from childhood. They have a very special bond and love each other dearly. No doubt they will be joined in Heaven to continue that bond.

Shirley was blessed with 20 grandchildren to whom she loved very dearly and always asked about them even though they were scattered around the globe.

Shirley is survived by her husband Dick May; son, Melvin Koonce (Christin); daughter, Tresa Johnson (Brett); son, Chris Koonce (Cathy); bonus daughter, Shannon West; bonus daughter, Kimberley and Cassidy Bohannon; bonus daughter, Kathleen and Roger Dhanowa; bonus son, Wesley May; bonus daughter, Amanda and Shane Howry; brother, Rev. Dennis and Nancy Maynard; 20 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren, and several other nieces and nephews, as well as very special cousin Jo Whaley Hayes.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hue Roy Maynard and Roxie Ola Sparks, brothers Delmar, Ken and Lemuel Maynard, and sister Juanita Wells.