Etta Wiley Wallace

Etta Wiley Wallace, age 94, entered eternal rest on December 1, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas, with her loving family by her side. She was born in Scotland Neck, North Carolina, on April 13, 1931 to the late James Wiley Young and Candies Anthony. Etta met and married the love of her life, Frank Wallace Jr., and together they shared a beautiful union of 43 years until his passing in 1999. A devoted military wife and the heart of her family, she was a true matriarch whose gentle spirit and magnetic personality touched all who knew her.

She proudly made history as the first African American head nurse at Southeast Baptist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas-an achievement that reflected her strength, skill, and unwavering dedication to caring for others. Etta retired after many years of dedicated service. Etta also enjoyed shopping, cooking, and gardening, carrying with her the hardworking roots of her farm-girl upbringing in her hometown. Etta was a longtime and active member of Mt. Zion First Baptist Church for over 20 years. She faithfully supported her family and children in every endeavor, always offering love, wisdom, and encouragement.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Frank Wallace Jr., daughter: Franetta Wallace, and her siblings: Helen Mable Wiggins, Mary Young, Hula Young, Nannie Young, Alice Edmond, James Young, "William Nick" Young.

She leaves to cherish in her memory her children: Michael Wallace (Lupita), Kim Wallace (Robin), and Kenneth Wallace (Patricia); 7 grandchildren: Jordyn Wallace, Judith Wallace, Matthew Wallace, Harrison Wallace, Ava Wallace, Alan Wallace, and Noah Wallace; 1 great-grandchild: Liam Ramos; siblings: Jean Olds (Hiawatha), and Edna Doggett, and numerous other close relatives and friends. Her caring nature, loving heart, and enduring grace will forever be cherished by all whose lives she touched.