Mary Louise Wallace (née Foxworth) was born on November 4, 1947, to the late L.J. and Estella Foxworth of Columbia, MS.
In 1950, Mary and her family relocated to Buffalo, NY. Mary began her education in the Buffalo Public School System. After graduating from Fosdick Masten Vocational High School in 1965, Mary immediately knew that she wanted to go into the fashion industry. This landed her multiple jobs, including one with M. Wiles Clothing Factory as a clothing instructor. She furthered her education at Bryant & Stratton College, where she attained her Associate Degree. While pursuing her Associate, Mary co-owned Deneen’s Fashion and Tailoring. She taught sewing for the DEC Youth Program, all while mentoring people in the community who wanted to sew and had an interest in fashion. In addition to hosting fashion shows, sewing bridal gowns and dresses for the bridal parties, making window drapery, aprons, choir robes, Mary later went on to Buffalo State College, here she received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. She used these degrees to work as an educator in the Buffalo Public School System.
At an early age, Mary dedicated her life to Christ and joined Hopewell Baptist Church, Buffalo, NY. She later joined Jesus Crusade Temple of Salvation. It was here that her love for Christ grew stronger, and she was ordained as a Minister of the Gospel. She absolutely loved ministry and praying for others, so much so, that she joined the 5 a.m. Prayer Call Ministry with Jesus Crusade. She continued with this Ministry until recently. Mary prayed so much that her daughters Tammy and Taylor would joke with her and say she had a direct line to God.
In 2005, during a trip to her daughter Tammy’s house in Virginia for Thanksgiving, unbeknown to Mary, her life was about to change. It was at this moment in time that she met the love of her life and forever friend, Sylvester “Hoodio” Wallace. The connection between the two of them was undeniable.
In 2006, Mary and her daughter Taylor packed up everything and decided to move to Hampton, VA. Mary then became an employee with the Newport News Public School System as their Family and Consumer Science Teacher. She worked at both Gildersleeve Middle School and Menchville High School. While working with the school system, she also became an employee with Heavenly Guidance Daycare. She truly loved the daycare babies. Shortly thereafter, Mary joined St. John Baptist Church, Toano, VA, and served as an Associate Minister.
On November 30, 2013, Mary’s life changed; she solidified her union by marrying Sylvester Wallace. The two of them became inseparable. Mary continued to live a full life traveling with her husband all over the world, enjoying time with her family, attending all of her daughters basketball games, supporting her grandchildren’s activities, and more. With all activities, she had going on, what Mary loved the most was ministry and praying for others.
In 2016, Mary retired from the Newport News Public School System as the Family and Consumer Science Teacher but continued working with her daughter’s daycare and her sewing, even giving sewing lessons to her nieces. It was not too long after her retirement that Mary’s health began to decline. Her loving, dedicated husband stood by her side every single day, taking care of her until God called her home.
Mary’s journey of life ended on Saturday morning, August 6, 2022, in Sentara Hospital, Hampton, VA, unexpectedly. She was preceded in death by her parents, L.J. Foxworth and Estella Foxworth Robinson, and her daughter, Ivy Darlene Coleman.
Mary leaves to love and cherish her precious memories and legacy, her loving and devoted husband of 8 years: Sylvester Wallace of Hampton, VA; three daughters: Tammy D. Barker (Todd) of Hampton, VA; Dr. Taylor M. D. Daniels of Petersburg, VA; Sylvia Porter (Michael) of Toano, VA; five siblings: James E Foxworth, of Columbia, MS; Delores Foxworth of Buffalo, NY; Paulette Lee (Rev. Dennis Lee, Jr.) of Buffalo, NY; Tyrone Foxworth (Kelley) of Antioch, TN; and Jerome Foxworth of Antioch, TN; three grandchildren: Todd Barker, Jr. of Hampton, VA; Traevon Barker of Hampton, VA; and Tia Barker of Hampton, VA; sister-in-law: Claretha W. Ludy of Newport News, VA; great-aunt: Esther Otis of Leandra, CA; aunt: Mary Whalum of Chicago, IL; godchildren, nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces; and many caring cousins, relatives, and friends.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 13, 2022, at Bethel Restoration Center. Livestream will be available at the beginning of the services. Interment to follow in Williamsburg Memorial Park. Mrs. Wallace may be viewed on Saturday beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the church. Facial coverings are required.
Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting’s Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com
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