Martha Neal Wallace, our beloved Mammy, went home to be with her the Lord and Savior on Friday, September 13, 2024 at 94 years young in her home. Mammy was a one of a kind personality. She made friends wherever she went and never met a stranger. Born August 19, 1930 in Greenville, Texas, to Leo and Ada Mae Neal. Martha was raised in Greenville with her three older brothers Harold, Kelly, and Cameron. Mammy graduated high school at 16 years old and then went on to East Texas College in Commerce. She graduated with her teaching degree and was hired by Sonora ISD after being interviewed at DFW airport. Martha traveled by bus from Dallas to Sonora where she taught 4th grade for 3 years. Shortly after moving to Sonora, Martha met and began to date George Wallace. George made Martha his bride on June 29, 1951 after only 6 months of dating. They were married for 59 years before George preceded her in death in 2010. They were blessed with four children: Joe Neal Wallace, David Warren Wallace, Drew George Wallace and Martha Jane Wallace, who also preceded her in death in 2010. Martha is also survived by three daughters-in-law, whom she loved as daughters, Ginger Goodin Wallace, Elizabeth Wilson Wallace and Lisa Sones Wallace.
Martha spent her life raising kids, teaching Sunday School, planning bridge parties, and faithfully cheering on the Broncos for many generations. She was named Sonora's "Citizen of the Year" in 2000. Although Martha was not born and raised in Sonora, she was nonetheless a pillar of the community for over 75 years. While Mammy loved shopping and playing bridge with her friends, her favorite pastime was chasing grandkids to recitals, art programs, plays, sports, and so much more. Martha was also a staple at many restaurants around town. She thoroughly enjoyed a great meal with family and friends. She was a member of Sonora Women’s Club, she was Cub Scout leader, 4-H leader, active member of First United Methodist Church for numerous years, and many other clubs and organizations around Sonora. Martha was a kind, giving, disciple of Christ. Her love and passion for her Savior was unmatched. She discipled countless people from all over, all walks, all ages. Martha was “Mammy” to so many more than just her grandkids. She was known all over Sonora as everyone’s Mammy. Mammy was adored by her 13 grandchildren, Clay Wallace and wife Shannon, Jodi Wallace and husband Chris, Christi Henderson, Cal Wallace and wife Aimee, Wilson Wallace and wife Elizabeth, Warren Wallace and wife Ashley, Heather Cearley and husband Cole, Hillary Galindo and husband Andy, Hunter Lawson and wife Allyse, Straton Rushing and wife Bianca, Grace Sanderson and husband Forrest, Anna Cate Shelby and husband Graham. and George Wallace. She was also proud of her great-grandchildren, Spencer and wife Kyra, Sailor, Mason, Madeline, Olivia, Angelica, Abbi, Jenny, Kinedi, Callee, Gwen, Lynden, Lane, Luke, Brailyn, Jackson, Avery, Jazlyn, Weston, Thomas, Marie, Lucille, Elena, Sonora, Forrest IV, Jack, and Harvey. Mammy was also a great-great grandmother of Ruston and Baylee. A very special relationship was shared with her sister-in-law, who was more like a sister, Jerry (Gigi) Wallace, wife of the late Dub Wallace; and her nephew, Keith Wallace, wife Vicky Wallace and their children, Sid and Meredith Wallace.
Honorary pallbearers are Martha’s grandsons alongside Bob Brockman, Bruce Kerbow, and Larry Jennings. The family wishes to thank her caregivers, who also became like family. Yoli Duran, Angie Ramirez, Melva Vallejo, Queena Mendez, and many others helped along the way caring for our Mammy over the last 7 years. Hunter Hohensee and Alvis F. Johnson Hospice took amazing care of Martha for 4 years. We cannot thank you all enough.
Mammy, you will be missed dearly by so many. We love you the whole world full.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, September 16th, at the First United Methodist Church of Sonora. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Alvis F. Johnson Hospice.
