Shirley Wallace

Shirley Mae Grove Wallace peacefully passed away on July 23, 2025, at her home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  She was born on February 28, 1939, in Georgetown, SC, to the late Albert J. Marshall Sr. and Mary Frances Grove Ellis.

She attended Howard High School in Georgetown, SC. When she moved to Myrtle Beach, Shirley graduated from Whittemore High School in Conway, SC. After graduating from high school, she moved to New York City to further her education in social service work. While in New York City, Shirley gave birth to her first three children. However, her time in New York was short-term, and she subsequently moved back to Myrtle Beach, SC. She subsequently gave birth to her fourth child. In addition to raising her four children, she also raised one of her grandsons, who was her special grandson.

Shirley lived a lifetime serving her community.  She was active in Mount Olive A.M.E. Church, where she was an exemplary member of the steward board, a part of the Healing Word Ministries group, and sang with the church choir.  She had a beautiful singing voice, exemplified by a solo song that she would sing from time to time.

In her formative years, due to her enduring affinity with children, she attended Project Head Start, for which she received training in early childhood education and family support services for the underprivileged. When she moved back to South Carolina, she pursued a career in cooking and was a longtime breakfast cook.

She was affectionately known as “Bill,” a nickname given to her by her mother, “Nana,” from her grandson, and “Manamana” from her great-grandsons.  She was also given the moniker “Toolbox” because of her acquired skill with power tools.

Shirley was very reserved and private. But she also loved everyone and enjoyed laughing. She had a loving spirit and put God first. Heaven has truly gained another angel.

She is preceded in death by the following: Albert J. Marshall Sr., Mary Frances Grove Ellis, Martha Rhue, Jordan Morrell Wallace, Wesley Grove “Sonny” Ellis, Albert J. Marshall Jr., James “Ricky” Ellis, David Wallace Sr., Truman P. Morrell, Annie Jo Green, Joseph Ellis III, Pecolia Grove, and a host of other family members and friends.

Her memory will live through her children, David L. Wallace, Jr., Stanley R. Wallace, Mary A. Wallace, and Patrice O. Francis; grandchildren, Ezra D. Wallace, Lance V. Wallace, Kayna (née Quena) S. Wallace, Dr. Desmond D. Wallace, Brittany A. Wallace, David (Melissa) Wallace III, Dominique Wallace, and Marquis Wallace; great-grandchildren, Jordan W. Woodberry, Alexi J. Williams, Jose R. Alicea III, Zoe M. Wallace-Ocasio, Dante D. Garvin, Aniyah Romero, Zani A. Headen, Adara N. Cooley, Lincoln J. Wallace, and Jamiah Wallace; siblings, Joseph (Sallie) “Tonga Lee” Ellis Jr. and family, Henry “Otis” Ellis and family, and Maxine Ellis (sister-in-law/Wesley G. Ellis) and family; special friends, Amelia Grissett, Bea Shipman, Serena McGee, Rosa Lee Dozier, and Barbara Johnson.

She was beloved by countless nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

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