Patricia Ann Wallace's Obituary
Patricia Ann Wallace
November 19, 1935 – May 9, 2025
Patricia Ann Wallace, known as Trisha to her family and Pat to her friends, went home to be with the Lord on May 9, 2025, at the age of 89.
Born on November 19, 1935, in Clarksville, Texas, to John Paul and Frances Humphrey, the family briefly moved to Newport News, VA, before returning to Hooks, Texas, where her father built tanks at Red River Arsenal. Pat graduated from Hooks High School, where she was active in cheerleading, basketball, multiple clubs and served as a Senior Class Officer. She pursued her love of education at Texarkana Junior College and East Texas State University (now Texas A&M–Commerce), earning both her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Early Childhood Education.
While teaching elementary school in Tyler, Texas, Pat met Jim Wallace, the love of her life. They were married on June 6, 1964, at Temple Baptist Church in Tyler and shared over 60 wonderful years together. They welcomed their daughter Jennifer while living in Tyler, and later moved to Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where their son Matt was born. The family also lived in Little Rock, Arkansas, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, before settling in Richardson, Texas, in 1979.
Pat devoted her professional life to education, serving as librarian and teaching at Trinity Preschool in Plano, Texas. She later taught at and served as Director of Cross Creek School in Plano, before retiring in 1999. Pat was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Richardson, where she taught in the International Friends program, helping new immigrants learn to navigate life in the U.S. with grace and confidence.
Pat will be remembered for her love of reading, playing bridge, and especially cooking—her cornbread dressing was a cherished dish at family holiday gatherings.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Jerry Humphrey.
She is survived by her loving husband, Jim Wallace; her daughter, Jennifer Smith of Little Rock, AR; son-in-law Mike Smith; and granddaughters Hailey Smith and Jordan Smith; her son, Matt Wallace of Fort Worth, TX; daughter-in-law Danielle LeBlanc; grandson Ben Wallace and granddaughter Quinn Wallace.
She is also survived by her brother, Paul Humphrey (Chellie) of Richardson, TX; nieces and nephews: Taryn Dusek McDonald (Drew) and their daughters Merril and Madison; Devin Dusek; Ryan Dusek (Daniel Stiles); Leslie Humphrey Cartwright (Matt) and their children Blake, Mason and Kaci Cartwright-Barber; David Humphrey; Mike Humphrey (Judy Jimenez-Humphrey); and Jeff Humphrey (Shanna) and their sons Brynden and Parker; Kyle Wallace (Terri) and son Harry Wallace ; Wade Wallace (Christine) and sons Townes and Hayes.
Pat’s life was a testament to kindness, service, and unwavering love for her family, friends, and community. She leaves behind a rich legacy of faith and compassion that will continue to inspire all who knew her. The family would like to thank the staff at Methodist Richardson Medical Center, Medical City Plano and PAM Rehabilitation Hospital of Richardson for their compassionate care in Pat's final days.
A graveside service will be held at 12 pm on Friday, May 16th at Restland Cemetery in Dallas, TX, followed by a memorial service at 2 pm at Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, TX. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the American Heart Association or the charity of your choice.
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