Shirley Jean Wallace

Shirley Jean Taylor Wallace entered the gates of heaven, welcomed with open arms of her Savior Jesus Christ in the early morning hours of November 7, 2025.

Also, lovingly known as Jean, Jeannie, and Granny, passed away surrounded by family and faith. Born on November 16, 1946, to Luther and Elizabeth Taylor, Jean grew up in Barbers Hill, Texas, where she was a proud Eagle, participating in band and basketball.

On November 4, 1965, she married her high school sweetheart, William O. "Bill" Wallace Jr., beginning a beautiful journey of love and service that spanned 60 years. Jean's life was marked by fierce devotion to her family and deep compassion for others. She was a woman who stood beside and worked alongside Bill from farming in the fields on a tractor or in a truck to becoming business owners now known as WOWCO. She always had a smile and a kind word whether behind the counter, over the phone or in the shop. She was a God-fearing woman whose faith never wavered. She embodied the hands and feet of Jesus, living out her faith through actions. For years, she picked up children for Sunday School, provided them with Bibles and clothing, and brought joy to hospital patients by often delivering flowers on Sunday mornings before church. She was always one to celebrate someone else before herself.

Jean and Bill served alongside several missionaries in Mexico, helping build churches and supplying Bibles, tracts, and tents to support local congregations. Together they founded We Exalt Christ Ministries, Inc. She then took on the role of being a pastor's wife and founder of First Church of New Beginnings, and did that with much grace.

Her legacy of generosity and faith continues through her family and all those she touched.

Jean leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband, William O. "Bill" Wallace Jr. Mom will forever be remembered by her children: Shirley Annette Smith and husband Jimmy, Becky Jean Lindley and husband Ken, William O. "Billy" Wallace III and wife Pamela, Georgeanne Henry and husband Lance; Granny will forever be loved by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Wade Smith and wife Lauren Smith (Hailey, Braden), Cole Young and fiancé Hailey Doxey, Morgan Melancon and husband Kade (Blakelyn, Sadie, Kal), Rachel Duty and husband Jonathan (Raley, Beaux, Gunner), Jordan Ballard and husband Cameron (Elaina), Taylor Hall, Luke Wallace and wife Jordyn, Ryland Hall and wife Bethany, Waylon Wallace, Carson Hall, Justin Lindley and wife Grace (Augustus), Diamond Lindley, Brooke Rivas and husband Theo (Ember, Sage, Opal). Also to carry on her memory is her sister Mary Ann Johnson, brother and sister-in-law: Bob & Judy Wallace and sister-in-law Beth Anne Banks, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cherished friends who were like family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Luther A. and Elizabeth Taylor; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, William O. "Bill Sr." and Hope Wallace; and brothers-in-law DeWitt Johnson and Doug Banks.

The family wishes to extend our gratitude to the friends we have made at Mont Belvieu Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center over the last four years.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Tilton Cemetery, FM 565, Cove, Texas 77523. Services will be officiated by Jerry Galvan. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jean's life.

Jean now has a new residence where she lives forever with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in her glorified body. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service that will be remembered and celebrated by all who knew her.

"I AM THE WAY AND THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME." JOHN 14:6