Ambassador Jeanette Wallace Hyde

Ambassador Jeanette Wallace Hyde, a trailblazing diplomat, political activist, businesswoman, entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist, passed away on February 10, 2025, at the age of 86. Born in Hamptonville, North Carolina, on June 15, 1938, she was the daughter of Gurney Clifton (GC) Wallace and Effie Bell Whitlock Wallace, who demonstrated to her the values of hard work, social awareness, service, and civic engagement.

Hyde credited her childhood church and home congregation of Flat Rock Baptist Church and her father for instilling in her a strong commitment to the church and to public service. In high school Jeanette played basketball and was a 4-H participant, class president, and beauty queen (Miss Yadkin County). Her early exposure to business, politics and public service came from her father, who ran the local country store and was active in business as well as local and state affairs, including serving on the Yadkin County Board of Education for 22 years. Jeanette was very active with her father in both the store and politics, shaping her lifelong interest in business, politics and dedication to public service. Many times, later in life Jeanette would tell her story of going with her dad to see President Harry Truman at the groundbreaking for the new Wake Forest University campus in Winston Salem in 1952.

Jeanette attended Wake Forest University before earning her Bachelor of Science degree from Delta State University in 1962 and subsequently pursuing further studies at the University of Maryland in Iraklion, Crete. She completed graduate work in counseling at both the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University. Before entering public service, she taught in Crete and worked as a social worker and counselor with the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts in Fayetteville.

Jeanette was a dynamic force in the Democratic Party and a prolific hostess, fundraiser and passionate advocate for Democratic ideals. She hosted countless candidates in her stone home on Carr Street, including Geraldine Ferraro, the first female on a major national party ticket. After Jeanette and Dr. Wallace Hyde were married in 1985, they hosted every major Democratic state and national nominee in their Raleigh homes. While they had each supported candidates for years prior to their marriage, together they supported candidates such as Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Hillary Clinton, Terry Sanford, Jim Hunt, Bev Perdue, Mike Easley and Roy Cooper. Jeanette continued to support candidates, including Roy Cooper, Josh Stein, Elaine Marshall, Rachel Hunt and Janet Cowell into 2024.

Before attending her first DNC Convention in Miami in 1972, and later Conventions in 1984 and 1988, Jeanette played a significant role in national, state and local politics. She was a DNC National Committeewoman for the Young Democrats. She served on the Site Selection Committee for the 1988 Democratic National Convention. Jeanette was a Co-chair of the North Carolina Clinton-Gore campaign in 1992. Her ability to connect with people and organize impactful events made her a cornerstone of Democratic fundraising and political strategy in North Carolina. She worked tirelessly to amplify women's voices in politics, including pushing for ratification of the ERA and serving as a key strategist for engaging women in the political process. Jeanette was instrumental in the purchase and renovations of the Goodwin House, which still serves as the headquarters for the North Carolina Democratic Party.

In 1994, Jeanette was appointed by President Bill Clinton to serve as U.S. Ambassador to seven Caribbean nations, including Barbados, Dominica, St. Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and St. Kitts and Nevis. Ambassador Hyde was introduced in her Senate confirmation hearings by US Senator Jesse Helms as an indication of her bipartisan support notwithstanding her firmly held core beliefs. Jeanette was sworn in as Ambassador by her close friend, Vice President Al Gore, and served our Country well in that role from 1994-1998. Jeanette was the first North Carolina woman to be appointed to an ambassadorship.

She and her husband, Dr. Wallace Hyde, lived in Barbados for four years. Her tenure was distinguished by her commitment to fostering international collaboration and goodwill. During her ambassadorship, she worked to strengthen diplomatic relations, promote economic development, and enhance cultural exchanges between the United States and the Caribbean nations. She also took a hands-on approach to foster relationships, frequently traveling between islands, hosting cultural events, and addressing regional issues such as trade agreements, environmental conservation, and hurricane recovery efforts. As an ambassador, she focused on security cooperation, worked to advance U.S. investment in the region, and was instrumental in promoting women’s leadership initiatives in Caribbean nations. She also received civilian awards in 1997 from the Department of Defense, the Department of Justice, and the Drug Enforcement Agency for her legacy in improving relations with the seven island nations resulting in improved coordination and significant reduction in drug trafficking during her tenure as Ambassador. Ambassador Hyde was also awarded the Highest Civilian Award for Public Service from the United State Coast Guard in 1996 for her treaty work in drug trafficking intervention and was also honored by the Coast Guard with an invitation to sail on their tallest sailing ship, the Eagle Sailing Ship, from Norfolk, VA to Bermuda as a show of appreciation for her significant work on behalf of the United States.

A devoted philanthropist, Jeanette held a special love for education. Her deep connection to Wake Forest University spanned decades, serving as a Trustee for 12 years before being named a Life Trustee in 2008. In 2013, her historic $2 million gift to the Wake Forest School of Divinity created the Jeanette Wallace Hyde Scholarship Fund, ensuring that future leaders dedicated to service could pursue their education. This transformational donation was the largest single gift in the school’s history at the time and significantly expanded financial aid opportunities for divinity school students, reinforcing her lifelong commitment to fostering leadership and service in future generations. Jeanette made many other contributions to other schools and universities, as well as lending a helping hand to many individuals along the way.

Jeanette also served as a member of the Western Carolina University Board of Trustees, the Elon University Board of Trustees, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work Advisory Board, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington Board of Visitors, the Florida International University Board of Arts and Sciences, the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Board and the American Foundation of the University of West Indies Board. Additionally, she served on the Board of Trustees for the Kenan Institute for Ethics at Duke University.

Jeanette’s civic and business accomplishments were equally impactful. Jeanette was important and instrumental in the early success of Golden Corral. She was the proprietor of multiple locations of her own clothing store, The Foxy Lady, in Fayetteville, NC for several years. Ambassador Hyde was a co-founder and Board Member of both Triangle Bank (later Centura, then RBC) and North State Bank. She was the Founder and Chair of the Young Americas Business Trust and was a member of the Council of American Ambassadors in Washington, DC

Jeanette was the first woman to serve as a member on the North Carolina Board of Transportation where she was also the original advocate for bike trails and lanes in NC. She was a member of the North Carolina Global TransPark Authority and the North Carolina International Visitors Council, and was a Founding Member of the Fayetteville, NC Chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW). She also served on the boards of directors for NC Community Foundation, Outward Bound of North Carolina, the North Carolina Child Advocacy Institute, Triangle World Affairs Council, NC Women’s Forum, NC Opera board, Wake County Communities in Schools, Methodist Home for Children, Tryon Palace Board, JC Ralston Arboretum at NC State University, the International Affairs Council, the American Diplomacy Journal, YWCA World Service Council, Wake County YWCA, The Woman's Club of Raleigh, UNC Center for Public Television Board of Trustees, The Council on Aging, Wake County Board of Social Work, and the Raleigh Alzheimer's Board. Jeanette chaired or co-chaired countless civic and charity galas, balls and fundraisers, from the SPCA Fur Ball to the initial Child Advocacy Institute Gala.

Jeanette’s tireless work extended beyond the state as she championed global trade initiatives and international diplomacy. She served on the Advisory Board of the U.S. Southern Command, where she provided insights on security and economic policies affecting Latin America and the Caribbean.

Her work was recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the “Order of the Long Leaf Pine”, twice, from Governor Jim Hunt in 1985 and Governor Beverly Perdue in 2011, an “Honorary Doctor of Laws” from Wake Forest University in 2010, “North Carolina Baptist Heritage Award” from Wake Forest University and the Baptist State Convention in 2011, “Outstanding Volunteer Award” from the NC State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in 2005, Named “Outstanding Woman of Achievement” by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of North Carolina in 2002, Distinguished Alumnus Award from Wake Forest University in 1995, Distinguished Alumnus Award from Delta State University in 1999, “Alumni Hall of Fame” induction from Delta State University in 2007, “4-H Lifetime Achievement Award” from the NC State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in 2000, ”Citizen of the World Award” from the International Visitors Council in 1998, “Distinguished Citizen for Public Service Award” from the Triangle World Affairs Council in 1998, “Outstanding Woman in Public Service Award” from the YWCA Academy of Women in 1994, “Distinguished Women Award Recipient for Public Service” from the N.C. Council for Women in 1995, “Most Outstanding Democrat of North Carolina” presentation by the NC Democratic Party in 1979, “Distinguished Service Award” from the North Carolina Democratic Party in 1998, inaugural recipient of the “Ashanti Award” (Swahili for Thank You!) from the Raleigh Wake Citizens Association (RWCA) M-PAC in 2002, honored with the creation of the annual “Ambassador Jeanette Hyde Leadership Award” by the Democratic Women of Wake County in 2016, Honored with the “Jeanette W. Hyde Endowed Professorship in Gerontological Social Work” at Western Carolina University in 2005, inducted into Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society at Delta State University, and received the Susan B Anthony Award from the Fayetteville National Organization for Women (NOW) Chapter.

Her passion for people and their stories was evident in her personal approach to leadership. Jeanette’s time in the Caribbean underscored her belief in the importance of cultural exchange and understanding. Her efforts included hosting events to celebrate Caribbean art, music, and cuisine while fostering dialogue on shared values and challenges. She was an advocate for disaster relief efforts in the Caribbean and worked to ensure U.S. aid reached communities impacted by hurricanes and economic instability.

Jeanette and Wallace split time between their residences in Sarasota FL and Raleigh NC. They were longtime members of the Bird Key Yacht Club and the Longboat Key Club in Sarasota. It comes as no surprise to any who knew her that Jeanette was very active with dear friends in the Sarasota community. She was involved with and a supporter of the Sarasota Art Museum, the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, the Booker Promise Foundation, Planned Parenthood of Southwest & Central Fl, the Democratic Party of Sarasota County, the Sarasota Women’s Alliance and the Harvard Club of Sarasota, among many others.

Beyond the many organizations, campaigns, fundraisers or galas, the magic of Jeanette Hyde’s wonderful life was that she was a great friend to many and was a beautiful soul inside and out. She understood that you must be a good friend in order to have good friends. She would be quick to let you know that she loves the American flag, due in equal measures from her Hamptonville roots to her time in Crete to her many international trips and time as US Ambassador. She was a longtime member of the White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh.

Her life had many memorable personal moments, from having tea and cookies with then Prince (now King) Charles in the Palace of St. James at his invitation to discuss programs for young people in the Caribbean, to completing three Outward Bound courses in her mid-50s including one in the Everglades of Florida, one climbing the 12,500 plus foot Mount Chirripo in Costa Rica, and one paddling a boat in remote areas across Canada, to scuba diving and tandem parachuting in 2012 for her 74th Birthday!!

Jeanette prayed at the wailing wall in Jerusalem, learned to read, write and speak Greek in the early 1960s while in Crete, rode a camel to the Great Pyramids of Egypt, rode a donkey to see Petra in Jordan, saw the sun rise over the Nile River on an overnight cruise and floated in the Dead Sea. She was a pretty good shot with her shotgun. She enjoyed opera as well as bluegrass and her dogs. No story about Jeanette's life would be complete without her dogs. She had a Great Dane in the 70s and switched over to a Whippet and then Italian Greyhounds ever since. She loved and spoiled them, and they comforted her throughout her life.

From a beautiful girl with a great family in Hamptonville, NC to a successful businesswoman, international diplomat and Ambassador, hers truly was a life well lived. She loved and was loved, was a good friend to many and made a difference.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband and partner in life and service, Dr. Wallace Hyde, a Robbinsville, North Carolina, native. Dr. Hyde was a respected businessman and civic leader who played an influential role in economic and political developments in North Carolina. Wallace and Jeanette worked together to promote business growth, education, and public service, leaving a lasting impact on their community and beyond. She was also predeceased by her sisters, Wanda Wallace Dobbins and June Wallace Smith.

Jeanette is survived by her nieces Jill D. Hendrickson (Tom), Debbie D. Liebers (Chuck), Pam D. Aleshunas (John), Christy S. Cole (Laverne), and nephew Mark Smith (Desiraa), stepson Charles W. Hyde (Christine), along with seven great-nieces and nephews Lori and Katie Hendrickson, Meghann Liebers Davis(Chris) and Amber Liebers, Ben and Elizabeth Aleshunas and Grayson Cole(Lauren), and five great-great-nieces and nephews.

The family received visitors on Monday, February 17th between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. at The Woman’s Club of Raleigh, 3300 Woman’s Club Drive, Raleigh, NC 27612.

A memorial service to honor Ambassador Hyde’s extraordinary life was held at White Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1704 Oberlin Road, Raleigh on Tuesday, February 18th at 2:00 pm, Christopher Edmonston, Pastor, will officiate. Interment will be private at the Flat Rock Baptist Church in Hamptonville, NC.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jeanette’s honor may be made to the Jeanette W. Hyde Global Studies Scholarship at Wake Forest University, via Gift Admin. WFU, 1834 Wake Forest Road, PO Box 7227, Winston Salem, NC 27109, https://forms.secure.wfu.edu/giving?designation=other&comment=Jeanette%252520W.%252520Hyde%252520Global%252520Studies%252520Scholarship; Transitions Life Care, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607 or via https://www.transitionslifecare.org/donate/; or the Wake County SPCA, 200 Petfinder Lane, Raleigh, NC 27603 or via https://donate.spcawake.org

Arrangements are being handled by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC.