A native of Rocky Mount, Myrtle was born in 1942, the daughter of the late James Jefferson Wallace and Hettie Belle Joyner Wallace. Her birth parents died when she was a young girl, and when Myrtle was 5, she was adopted and raised in Raleigh by her late adoptive parents–Leon Cornell Weaver and Elsie Daughtridge Weaver. She was a graduate of Broughton High School and later attended East Carolina University, where she obtained her B.A. in Home Economics.
While at ECU, Myrtle met her future husband, Jim, whom she married in 1964. They lived in Raleigh until 1969 and then moved to Greenville, S.C. where they remained until 1986. There, Myrtle worked as a third-grade teacher at Sara Collins Elementary School. She later obtained a Master’s degree from Furman University and continued to work in the Greenville Public School System as a substitute teacher.
Shortly after moving back to the Raleigh area, Myrtle and Jim became members of White Memorial Presbyterian Church. Myrtle remained a faithful member even after Jim’s passing in 2007. She enjoyed the fellowship of her Sunday school class and was very active in church life. She was a part of White Memorial’s Circle, the Wedding Guild, and the Bereavement Committee–as well as a volunteer for the Clothing Closet. For 16 years, she deeply treasured special friendships and weekly fellowship with a group of ladies known as The Bible Belles. Outside of her involvement with the church, Myrtle also spent 8 years as a volunteer at Duke Raleigh’s gift shop, served as a docent with the Governor’s mansion, and was a member of Star Strutters dance troupe.
She was kind, loyal, and always looking out for others. She was the embodiment of an elegant and graceful Southern Lady. She loved her friends dearly and cherished each one of them. From her childhood friends to members of the church to herwalking ladies: you all held a special place in her heart. Myrtle loved long phone calls, texts, and lunch dates with friends. She was often described as a good listener and friend extraordinaire.
After the loss of her husband, Jim, almost 16 years ago, Myrtle was truly the matriarch of her family. She was strong, independent and had a fierce devotion to and love for her family. She had the uncanny ability to connect with those she loved in a strong way–she had unique bonds with each of her two children and seven grandchildren, and each relationship was precious to her and to them.
Myrtle loved many things during her life: the beach, a good slice of chocolate cake, a warm cup of coffee, reading, traveling, catching up with friends, keeping up with her grandchildrens’ busy lives, and a good game of football.
Myrtle was preceded in death by her parents–both birth and adoptive, her husband, Jim –and her brothers, Bobby and Hugh Wallace. She is survived by her son, Jimmy Talton, and his wife, Toni; her daughter, Cissy Johnson; and her grandchildren, Kelli, Caroline, Taylor, Laura, Leah, James, and Joshua. Other surviving relatives include her brother Vernon Wallace, his wife Barbara, her brother-in-law, John P. Talton, and his wife, Clara.
The family extends heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Transitions Hospice Care, Visiting Angels, and Golden Harmony.
There will be a private burial for immediate family at Oakwood Cemetery, Friday morning February 17th.
A memorial service followed by visitation will be held at White Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1704 Oberlin Road, Raleigh, NC 27608 on Friday, February 17, 2023 at 2:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: White Memorial Presbyterian Church 1704 Oberlin Road, Raleigh, NC 27608; Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.
Funeral arrangements will be handled through Brown-Wynne Funeral Home (www.brownwynneraleigh.com) 300 Saint Mary’s St., Raleigh.
DONACIONES
White Memorial Presbyterian Church 1704 Oberlin Rd., Raleigh, North Carolina 27608
Transitions LifeCare Hospice 250 Hospice Cir., Raleigh, NC 27607
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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