Obituary - John Washington Wallace
John Washington Wallace, 85, of Henrico, Virginia, departed this life on May 27, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, music, and unforgettable stories of his many adventures.
John was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Rebecca Mae Wallace; his daughter, Catheryn Wallace; his grandson, Steve Anderson; his sisters, Pricilla Wallace, Corine Jackson, Doris Middleton; and his brother, Lee Edward Wallace, who passed on the same day as John.
Born on February 22, 1941, to the late Clarence and Nancy Wallace, John entered the world in a remarkable way. His grandmother delivered him in a humble home in the Brookfield area of Henrico, Virginia. It was a difficult birth, his grandmother breathed life into him after several attempts.
He was given the name John, meaning “God is gracious” or “graced by God.” His mother chose his middle name, Washington, because he shared a birthday with George Washington. It was a memorable beginning for a man whose life would indeed prove larger than life.
After spending his early years in Virginia, John’s life changed when his mother remarried. His stepfather, Silas Jackson, welcomed Nancy’s children and moved them to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The couple thought job opportunities would be better in the north. The move brought greater stability, and the family grew to include seven additional siblings. While attending school in Philadelphia, John began developing his gifts in singing, art, and public speaking. These talents would remain an important part of his life, especially his singing, which later played a meaningful role when he met Rebecca King, the woman who would become the love of his life.
John met Rebecca in 1957, and their friendship soon grew into love. They married in 1959 and built a partnership that spanned six decades, rich with devotion and shared memories. They had five children and raised six. All delighted in John’s stories of how he and Rebecca fell in love. Anniversaries held special meaning in their home—John would sing the songs they loved and end the evening with a dance that became a treasured tradition throughout their fifty-nine years of marriage. To his children, he was a strong man unafraid to show affection and tenderness.
This blend of toughness and tenderness showed up in how John provided for his growing family. He worked as a truck driver, an often-dangerous job with long hours in every kind of weather. He also boxed, drawn to challenges and risk. Yet, he was the same man who prayed with his children at bedtime, tucked them in, and braided his daughters’ hair.
Despite a severe injury that ended his working career, John remained a pillar of strength and a devoted husband and father. He used the extra time to recommit to prior passions, such as voting rights, civil rights, and advocating for children with disabilities. John supported the lawsuit of social activist Curtis Holt, Sr., which paved the way for Henry Marsh’s election as Richmond’s first black mayor.
He is survived by his children, Theresa (Kirkland)Crawley, James (Betty)Wallace, John Reginald Wallace, Rebecca King, and Patricia Wallace, grandchildren, Miaka Miller, Christopher Wallace, Sr., Jonathan Crawley, Jordan Crawley, Tracey Wallace, Jamaya( Ale) Mills, and Troy Wallace, great-grandchildren, Kaeshawn Pleasant, Hamilton Crawley -James, Cidney Wallace, Brian Miller, Journey Wallace-Elder, Brielle Miller, Christopher Wallace Jr., Amari- Elle Mills, Cameron Wallace, Jamir Mills and Cole Crawley, siblings Sarah Emerson, Catherine, Gloria, Joseph, and Rudolph Jackson; two sisters-in-law, Annie Belle King, and Lorraine (Samuel)Robinson; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other relatives, especially devoted Preston and Ella Brown.
John spent his final days receiving loving and compassionate care with Bonita Terry Goode. He often described her as his bonus daughter or his cousin-daughter. He was also blessed by the presence and support of Chad Cosby, Mary Cosby, and Dalton King.
John was an enthusiastic storyteller and spirited debater whose oratorical gifts became legendary at family gatherings. He loved conversation and spoke with conviction about the issues he cared about, always ready to defend his point of view. Just as readily, he shared treasured memories of his own life and the lives of his ancestors, helping to preserve the family’s history through his vivid and passionate storytelling. Through his words and example, John sought to instill in us a strong social conscience and a lasting commitment to advocating for ourselves and for others.
He will be forever loved and forever missed.
Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd, where viewing will be held Thursday, June 4 from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. followed by the family receiving friends in Scott's Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd. from 6 to 7 p.m. and where funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Friday, June 5. Minister Eugene Tyler, officiating. Interment Roselawn Memory Gardens.
