Elizabeth Heyward Wallace, known to all as Betty, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 25, 2026. She died peacefully at home, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly. She was 81.

Betty was born on August 31, 1945, in Dallas, Texas, the eldest daughter of James Clark Roberts and Helen Heyward Roberts. She grew up in Dallas and Cleburne and went on to Texas Tech University, where she earned her degree in education.

Betty's great love story began in high school, when she met Robert Chauncey Wallace. They went off to different colleges, but their hearts never strayed. On July 20, 1968, they were married, beginning a partnership that would last 58 years. Both began their careers in the classroom, and Robert went on to become a football coach. Betty was his steadfast partner as coaching took them from town to town, and along the way their family grew with the arrival of Jim, John and Julie. Betty gladly set aside her own teaching career to stay home and raise them, and she poured her whole heart into making each new house a home.

Betty's faith was the foundation of her life, and it showed in everything she did. She served faithfully for many years on her church's altar guild and was a longtime leader in Bible Study Fellowship, where she helped others grow in their understanding of Scripture. She lived out that faith by caring for others well beyond her own family, including as a volunteer with Houston Hospice. She gave comfort to patients and families at one of life's most tender moments.

Of all her joys, none shone brighter than her grandchildren. To them she was simply "GG," the grandmother who would get down on the floor and play for hours, and who never seemed to tire of their company.

Betty is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Robert; her sister, Ginny; her sons, Jim

(Tracie) and John (Becca); her daughter, Julie (Jeff); and her nine grandchildren, who were the light of her life: Emma, Allison, Kathryn, Ellie, Andrew, Margaux, John David, Matthew and Luke.

The family is deeply grateful to her hospice care team at Three Oaks Hospice, to Right at Home Healthcare, and to the Making Memories ministry. They cared for Betty with the same compassion she spent her life showing others.

A memorial service celebrating Betty's life will be held at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church on Friday, October 2, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Betty's memory to make a donation to the Making Memories ministry.

Betty's favorite verse was a blessing she held close all her life, and her family shares it now with all who loved her:

"The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. "

Numbers 6:24-26