Betty Jo Wallace

Betty Jo Wallace, born on April 14, 1931, in Pennington Gap, Virginia, transitioned on July 16, 2024, at the age of 93. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Sergeant Leonard J. Wallace, her parents Rev. Joseph H. and Gracie Carson, her sons Nick, Victor, and Joseph Wallace, and her siblings Theodore Sr., Robert J., Charles Carson, Leither Briscoe, and Fannie Houston.

Left to cherish her memory is her devoted daughter, Davilla Wallace McDermott (Jackie), along with her grandchildren Derrick Dinkins (Amy), Shay Wallace (Joy), Tony Wallace (Acacia), special step grandchildren Isaiah McDermott and Anna McDermott, great-grandchildren Tori Wallace, Mia and Kalyssa Dinkins, Jackairi and Quinley Wallace, all of Morristown, TN. She is also survived by her special niece, Marie Carson of Atlanta, and great-niece and nephews Francesca, Tony, Elvert, Lamont, Derek, Kristina, and Latasha, as well as daughter-in-law Pansy Wallace of Morristown. She also had seven brothers-in-law, one sister-in-law, and many dear members of the extended Carson and Wallace family.

Betty Jo accepted Jesus as her personal savior at an early age through the teachings of her father, Rev. J.H. Carson. She moved to Morristown to attend Morristown Normal and Industrial College Inc. High School Department, where she was crowned high school homecoming queen and met her husband, Leonard. She and her husband, who retired from the army, lived in Germany with the family for four years. While her husband continued his service in the army, she and the children relocated to Pennington Gap, Virginia with her father.  Afterwards she and her husband purchased a home in Morristown where she lived for the remainder of her life.

A faithful member of Rock of Ages Church, Betty Jo actively participated in the choir, usher board, and shared her culinary talents in the church kitchen. She loved being called one of the Golden Girls with her buddies Ann Cox, Mildred Donaldson, Patsy Leeper, Janie Richmond, and Charlotte Rogers.

After 20+ years, she retired from Magnavox then worked as a cashier at Morristown-Hamblen Hospital. She was an avid traveler with her friends and had traveled to most of the U.S. She was the most independent lady and drove until she was 91.

Her love for God was first in her life, then her children, grandchildren, and great-grands. She showed her love by attending all their events until she was unable to do so, but continued to watch remotely. She loved cooking for her family, especially the holiday meals where everyone gathered at her home.  She also loved UT football, planting her own garden, her stories on TV, and attending church until she was unable to attend. When she was unable to attend church, she consistently watched church services on her tablet. She loved living on Goodson Street where she sat on her front porch waving and talking to the neighbors and friends as they passed by.

The Wallace family extends deep gratitude to Lori Blackburn- PA, Dr. Dobbs (Healthstar), and Amedisys. A special thanks to neighbors: James and Calvin Nicely; Dorthia Nicely Belk, Jamesena Cox, Ann Cox, The Rucker Family, Tina Cloud, Michelle (Tom) Hale for always checking on her.

Mrs. Betty Jo Wallace's legacy of love, faith, and resilience will forever be cherished by all who were blessed to know her.