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Elizabeth Alene Baker Wallace transitioned peacefully to be made perfect forever on Sunday August 20, 2023, surrounded by her husband Rupert Wallace of 71 years and family.

Alene was born on December 14, 1933, to Buster and Gladys Baker in the Old Ford Community of Washington, North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Roland, Tom, and Bill Baker, as well as sisters Zenobia Andrews and Mary Lou Williams. Alene is survived by her husband Rupert Wallace, sons Wilbur (Linda) and Daniel; grandchildren Corey Ann and Matthew; two step grandchildren Lisa Lucas and Danny Clements (Stephanie), two step great-grandchildren, Tommy Lucas and Trace Clements; step great-great granddaughter, Amelia Lucas; many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Mrs. Rupert Wallace was a supportive minister’s wife to her husband spanning six churches over 70 years including Laurel Avenue Church of Christ, Union Grove Church of Christ, and Long Acre Chapel. She volunteered her gifts to God and church throughout these years with a servant’s heart. Many lifelong friends were made during these ministries. Her Bible is a personal concordance with notes through the years. The last Sunday before entering the hospital, she insisted on going to church. On their journey together, Alene had many health issues and Rupert honored their wedding vows before God, “for better or worse,” and always said, “she would have done the same for me.”

She learned lifelong skills working alongside her mother including knitting, crocheting, needlepoint and sewing, making many of her clothes and those of her little boys; learned country cooking with dishes of collards, eggplant casserole, red velvet cake, cheesecake, snow cream, and the traditional favorites at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Her dishes were always a hit at church homecomings. She and her husband enjoyed gardening throughout their lives, canning and freezing God’s bounty, and the pleasure of nurturing flowers including her amaryllis.

Being a loving mother and grandmother was a most cherished and important role for Alene, knowing that teaching her children about God’s love and grace was a vital assignment from God and one that she performed diligently all her days. Her example of being a Christian mother not only affected her two sons in their ministerial work, but all children of the church noted her soft, sweet spirit and faithful life.

Besides caring for the family, she worked outside of the home bringing her soft, sweet people skills to all she encountered along with administration, typing, and shorthand.

In recent years they enjoyed going out to eat and were often treated to meals by those surrounding them. Some stopped by their table and chatted, noticing their love for each other and always in awe learning they had been married for 71 years. Some quietly slipped away and leaving it to the waitress to let them know their meal had been paid for. A special receipt they received included the note, “God bless you two, may God smile on you today.” Receiving much generosity, they found joy in always giving abundantly to the server through their tip.

Gratitude to the family on the Wallace farm Annie Belle, Keith and Wendy Wallace for their presence, support, and care; lifelong friend and bridesmaid Doris Hodges who weekly mailed a note and bulletin from their home church, Old Ford Church of Christ; River Trace Rehab including Devicky Whitfield and the compassionate staff; and the Long Acre Chapel Church family for their generosity and support.

A celebration of life will be held at Long Acre Chapel Christian Church (24597 Hwy. 32 N. Plymouth, NC 27962) on Thursday at 2pm, Scott Askew and Bud Ball will officiate. Burial at Oakdale Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday 6-8pm in the new Long Acre Chapel fellowship hall.

To honor Ms. Alene’s memory, flowers are welcome which she loved, or donations may be made to Long Acre Chapel Christian Church or Union Grove Church of Christ (6889 NC Hwy. 99 N. Pantego NC 27860).

I Corinthians 15:50-58

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Wallace family.