Virginia Shaver Wallace

Virginia Shaver Wallace, 95, passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at her home in Salisbury. She was born July 14, 1916 in Salisbury, N.C. to Sudie Mowery Shaver and Charles Long Shaver. She attended Boyden High School and Catawba College. She was married to the love of her life, Leo Wallace, Jr, for 69 years until his death on January 7,2010. Known for her style and grace, she was the epitome of elegance. A true lady, Virginia was beautiful in every way. A devoted wife and mother, she cherished her family time. She lovingly encouraged her family through all of their life’s endeavors. She made her home a wonderful place for family and friends to gather. Her loyal contributions to First Presbyterian Church include serving as Deacon, Vice President of Women of the Church, Secretary of Christian Education, Sunday School teacher, Secretary of Church Extension, Secretary of General Fund Agency, and Circle Chairman. Her faith was strong and she set a beautiful example for many to follow. Mrs. Wallace’s outstanding contributions to the Historic Salisbury Foundation were numerous. A charter member and a long time Board member, she participated in the October Tour by opening her family home 6 times and hosting many Patron Parties. She was a charter member of the Andrew Jackson Society and was presented the honor of Trustee Emerita for exemplary support and service to the Historic Salisbury Foundation. In 2010 she was presented their highest honor, The Clement Cup. She was twice President of the English Speaking Union. The Salisbury Chapter was started by Mrs. Leo Wallace, Sr., her husband’s mother. She enjoyed her membership in the Travelers’ Club, Betsy Brandon Book Club, the former Pine Tree Garden Club, the Residents of Old Salisbury, Salisbury Country Club, and Hound Ears Club, Blowing Rock, NC. She was on the original Rowan Art Guild Advisory Board, which evolved into the Waterworks Visual Arts Center. The Virginia Wallace Gift Gallery is named in her honor. She especially loved her bridge groups, her rose garden, and entertaining in her home. As a member of the first Board of Governors of the Piedmont Players, she was instrumental in its original organization. She supported Catawba College by establishing the Virginia and Leo Wallace First Family Scholarship. She served on the Board of Director’s of Wallace Realty, Belle Realty, and the Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center. Mrs. Wallace is survived by her children, Leo Wallace, III (wife, Mona Lisa), Suzanne Wallace Casey (husband, John), and Victor Wallace (wife, Vickie) all of Salisbury, N.C; her grandchildren: Mac Duskin of Charlotte, NC, Wallace Duskin of Salisbury, NC, Whitney Wallace of Charlotte, NC, Jason Wallace of Charlotte, NC, Daniel Wallace of Charlotte, NC and Lane Wallace of Raleigh, NC; and her sister, Margaret Shaver Armstrong of Salisbury. She is preceded in death by brother, George Robert Shaver. A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM Friday (Jan 20) at First Presbyterian Church, conducted by Dr. Jim Dunkin and Dr. Randal Kirby. The family will receive friends following the service in Lewis Hall. A private burial will be held. The family will always be deeply grateful for the exceptional loving care given by Paula McCora, Donna Overcash, Keisha Finger, Robin Whittenburg, and Patricia Ann Miller. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 308 West Fisher Street, Salisbury, NC 28144. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Wallace family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneral.com.

Virginia Shaver Wallace

July 14, 1916 - January 17, 2012