Elizabeth Palmore May

Celebrate the completed life of Elizabeth Palmore May, who was born on January 15, 19?? To her parents, Merle Moffatt Palmore and John W. Palmore. The Palmores resided in Ravenna, TX. Elizabeth left her earthly life on February 28, 2014…..the same day as her mother's birthday and the anniversary day of her mother's death! She was preceded in death by her beloved older brother, John William Palmore, whom she fondly called "Bubba".

Elizabeth was graduated from Bonham High School and attended both Centenary College in Shreveport, LA and the University of North Texas in Denton, TX, where she studied opera and vocal arts. She was the soloist for the bands of both music departments. At UNT, she was the soloist for what later became the famous North Texas Lab Band, which has later become one of the premier jazz bands in the USA.

Elizabeth returned to live out her extraordinary life in Bonham, TX. On February 1, 1943, she began her 71-year career in banking at the First National Bank of Bonham. Banking was not new to Elizabeth, since her father had once owned the Ravenna State Bank, which he later sold to the First National Bank. During her employment there, she saw many fine bank presidents come and go; yet, when the bank went through transitions, Elizabeth remained as a devoted anchor employee. She became Asst. Vice President and was "The Grand Lady" of Customer Service and Public Relations for the American Bank of Texas. Elizabeth's motto was "Listen to the customer, because she/he always comes first, and business comes second." In May 1998, Bank President of the Bonham Branch of the American Bank of Texas, Craig Buford, honored Elizabeth by naming the Community Hospitality Room, "The Elizabeth May Room". In October 2011, the Independent Bankers' Association of Texas, honored Elizabeth during their Special Awards Luncheon at their annual conference. She was presented an engraved crystal obelisk commending her for her loyalty and enduring/endearing commitment to the banking business.

Elizabeth was the wife of the late W T May, who owned a local pharmacy in Bonham. Together, they gave unlimited support to the youth of Bonham; to the First United Methodist Church of Bonham and its choir; to various civic organizations; and to the Bonham Golf Club. The two of them dazzled others with their remarkable dancing ability as a couple.

She was the epitome of a successful businesswoman, who befriended others, and of a responsible "working mother" of two daughters, Faye May Wedell and Vicki May Horne. Elizabeth was able to both juggle and balance both worlds with remarkable competence.

In addition to these above commitments, Elizabeth was a devoted public servant and citizen. She held offices and served on the Board of Directors of the following organizations: Bonham Chamber of Commerce; Business & Professional Women's Club, Fannin County Family Crisis Center; Friends of Willow Wild Cemetery; Bonham Golf Club; Friends of Sam Rayburn; Greater Fannin County United Way; and American Heart Association of Fannin County. She received many awards and recognition from various groups for her leadership and service. In 2000, Elizabeth was named Citizen of the Year at the annual Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet. She was also recognized by Texoma Council of Governments as the Fannin County Outstanding Citizen in an Awards Ceremony at their headquarters in Sherman, TX. In 2006, she became the second recipient of the H. G. Dulaney Award for Public Service by the Friends of Sam Rayburn.

Elizabeth is survived by her two daughters, Faye May Wedell of Ravenna, TX and Vicki May Horne of Sherman, TX; her two granddaughters, Wendy Wedell Burrow of Odessa, TX, and Heidi Horne Scheibmier of Sherman, TX; her six great grandchildren, Leah Elizabeth Burrow (age 1); Mattie Scheibmier (age 5); Colman Scheibmier (age 9) and triplets, Miriam, Anthony, and Jude Scheibmier (ages 12). Other survivors include her two nieces, Helen Merle Palmore Parish of Las Cruces, NM, and Pam Palmore Kohler of Lamesa, TX and many grandnieces and grand nephews. She is also survived by her valued companion, James Renfroe, of Ivanhoe, TX.

It was Elizabeth's wish to be cremated and have her remains buried in an urn next to her parents and late husband in Willow Wild Cemetery. A commemorative celebration of Elizabeth May's illustrative life will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2014, 1:00 pm, at the First United Methodist Church of Bonham, 801 Star Street. The family invites you to join them for this Memorial Service. Services are under the direction of Wise Funeral Home.

Following the Memorial Service, the American Bank of Texas; 120 W. Sam Rayburn Dr.; Bonham, TX, will host a reception in the Bank in Elizabeth's honor. After all, this was her "home away from home", and the employees were a part of her "chosen family". The bank still considered Elizabeth as an employee for life. This official Retirement Party for her will be held from 2:30 – 4:00 pm throughout the bank, including her special Elizabeth May Room. All are invited to come visit with Elizabeth's family and to share stories and fond memories of Elizabeth with them and with one another. Each month, Elizabeth officiated over a "Customer Appreciation Day Open House". This Open House will be the "Elizabeth May Appreciation Day".

Memorials should be sent to the Fannin County Family Crisis Center; 118E. Sam Rayburn Drive; Bonham, TX 75418 and/or Home Hospice of Grayson, Cooke, & Fannin Counties; P. O. Box 2306; Sherman, TX 75091-2306. Donations can also be made online at www.homehospice.org.

Online guest register www.wisefuneralhome.com