BIOGRAPHY

Wallace was born in Arkansas, USA, on 25 March 1907, the seventh of eleven children born to William Francis French (1872–1933) and Rosie Ann Lesley (1877–1944). At the age of nine, she moved to Garland, Texas, where she spent most of her life. In 1927, she married Ike Edward Wallace in Texas. On 3 December 1939, the couple welcomed their son, Donald.

In 1954, Wallace became a member of the First Christian Church of Garland (Disciples of Christ) and remained actively involved for the rest of her life. Later on, arthritis limited her mobility, preventing her from driving herself to church. As she grew older, arthritis also affected her ability to crochet and embroider, hobbies she had once enjoyed.

By the time she celebrated her 110th birthday in 2017, she had one grandchild and five great-grandchildren.

Wallace passed away on 15 February 2019, at the age of 111 years, 327 days.

RECOGNITION

Following the passing of Richard Overton (11 May 1906 – 27 December 2018), she became the oldest known living person in the U.S. state of Texas. Upon her own passing, she was succeeded by Jewel McCullough.

Wallace’s age was validated by LongeviQuest on 27 March 2023.

ATTRIBUTION

* Community News/Garland – Dallas News, 1 Apr 2010

* Annie Bernice French Wallace – FindAGrave

GALLERY