Jennie Harris Wallace

Jennie Harris Wallace died on April 11, 2022, thus completing a life of strength, focus, wit, intelligence, and grace. She was born in Albemarle and raised in Raleigh, N.C. where she graduated from Needham B. Broughton High School. She immersed herself in music, opera, theater, chorus, poetry, and literature during her time at Broughton, and she thrived in these interests throughout her life. She attended Hollins College, leaving there for England to pursue an advanced degree from Oxford.

Upon her return to the United States from England, Jennie began a 27-year career teaching in the Upper School at Durham Academy. Her love of language and literature, along with her keen sense of humor, endeared her to students. Those in her classes knew she had high expectations for them because she genuinely respected them.

Jennie believed deeply in the power music holds in the community, and it was her desire that all children might have the chance to hear and learn about great orchestral music. She was a long-time subscriber to the North Carolina Symphony, and she served as a Symphony trustee for the past decade. Jennie led the Symphony’s Education Committee for most of that time, ensuring that thousands of children in North Carolina would experience the joys and benefits of music education, that excellent music educators would be recognized and honored for their achievements, and that talented young musicians would have opportunities to learn, grow, and perform. The Symphony’s trustees, staff, and especially musicians, were extremely fond of Jennie and appreciative of her devotion to music and learning.

Language and words also greatly influenced Jennie’s life. She read nonstop, and each morning, she and her husband, Stuart, would print out two copies of the Washington Post Crossword Puzzle to work on throughout the day. She loved poetry, especially Randall Jarrell, and she adored theater, especially musical theater.

Jennie was predeceased by her husband of 37 years, Stuart Wallace. She was the daughter of the late William Shearon Harris and the late Helen Morgan Harris.

She is survived by her niece, Katherine Wheeler Wallace (and husband Mark and their three children, Kyle, Lili, and Jack); and her nephew William D. Wallace (and son Dylan).

The memorial service and interment will be private.

Friends who wish to honor Jennie’s memory are asked to consider a gift to the North Carolina Symphony, 3700 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 130, Raleigh, NC 27612.

Service arrangements provided by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh. Condolences may be made at www.brownwynneraleigh.com