Elvetta R. Mays

Elvetta Ruth Mays (Sorrells), born in Santa Ana, California, on March 19, 1950, to William B. Sorrells and Naomi Elizabeth Diehl, peacefully passed away at her home in Harlingen, Texas, on Saturday, June 8, 2024.

Growing up on Laguna Beach, California, Elvetta met Tom J. Mays and bore four children. After raising her children, and spending most of her life in California, she later followed her youngest daughter, and grandchildren to Austin, Texas. There, she spent many years nurturing her grandchildren—teaching them to bake, sharing her love of musicals and history, and creating lasting memories.  In her later years, she moved to the Rio Grande Valley to be with her son, where she found peace in enjoying the simple joys of life, including spending time with her beloved pup and taking him on walks. 

Elvetta had a profound and abiding love for the ocean, finding peace and solace in its endless waves. Her deep connection to the sea mirrored the way she approached life—calm, constant, and unwavering. Alongside her passion for the ocean, her family was her heart and soul. She cherished every moment spent with them, and her unwavering devotion made her the foundation of their lives.

Elvetta’s love for science fiction and history shaped much of her curiosity. She had an insatiable appetite for knowledge, always seeking to learn more about the worlds of imagination and the lessons of the past. Her conversations were rich with insights, and her boundless enthusiasm for these topics brought a unique perspective to the lives of those around her.

Her nature was one of quiet strength, and she cared for others with an unmatched tenderness. No matter the situation, Elvetta’s ability to remain calm and composed, never allowing frustration or anger to take hold, was a testament to her character. She was a beacon of kindness, never too upset by the challenges life threw her way. Her resilience and compassionate spirit will remain an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Elvetta is survived by her brother, David Warren Sorrells; her children, Shannon Hourtz, Nova Mays, Devin Mays, and Tom J. Mays; and her nine grandchildren, including Nicole (Matthew) McCormack, Joseph Pino (Sam Kristian), Sebastian Connors, and three great-grandchildren, including Elora Ruth.

She is preceded in death by her siblings, William (Bill) Sorrells and Virginia Brown (Sorrells).

Elvetta will be dearly remembered with love and light by all who knew her.