Mary Gail May 85 of Texarkana, AR passed peacefully at her home on August 2, 2026. She was born on January 31, 1941 in Hope, AR. Mrs. May was a member of Beech Street First Baptist Church and was retired from Miller-Bowie Farmers Association.
Her greatest joy was teaching others about Jesus. She poured her life into ministering to others through teaching Sunday school and she built a special bond with the ladies in her classes.
Her second greatest joy was spending time with her husband and she especially enjoyed traveling with him to marvel at God's creation at national parks in the Western US. A highlight of her travels was spotting wildlife and photographing wildflowers and waterfalls.
Survivors include her husband of 64 years, James Denton May, of Texarkana, AR; three daughters and sons-in-law, Cheryl Colbey (Richard) of Madison, AL, Denise Nicklas (Bill) of Texarkana, TX and Jennifer Sestak (Albert) of Mechanicsville, VA ; one brother and sister-in-law, Delbert and Alayne Zimmerly; eight grandchildren, Dustin Colbey (Hannah), Courtney McGehee (Justin), Katie Tittle (Matt), Wil Nicklas (Brittany), Valerie Solomon, Fisher Sestak and Judah Sestak and eighteen great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by a granddaughter, Jennifer Lipscomb.
A Celebration of Life service will be 10am Saturday, August 8, 2026 at East Memorial Chapel- Moores Lane with Rev. Adam Ross officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Gardens under the direction of East Funeral Home-Moores Lane.
The family would like to express gratitude to the numerous caregivers who took special care of her and allowed her to stay in her home.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7pm on Friday August 7, 2026 at the funeral home.
Memorials can be made to Beech Street First Baptist Church, Texarkana, AR.
Online tributes can be posted at www.eastfuneralhome.com.
