Gerald Wallace Obituary

Mrs. Wallace,

Today (July 21,2005) listening to your calm voice on the answering machine telling me that your beloved Gerald had passed away, my heart broke. I can only imagine at what you must be feeling when I an old student of his feel such devastation. I am sure you know how wonderful he was as he was your husband. He touched so many people-me included, and will be greatly missed. Monsieur was my professor for 3 years from 1986-1989, and he always encouraged greatness even when we didn't think we had anything to be great about. It is because of him that I called you in the first place. I am trying to get my transcripts forwarded to finish my degree to teach - French. He has been in the back of my mind cheering me on since I came to see him in 1997 and told him of my desires to teach. He told me that it is never to late to begin, and that beginning is the hardest part. He was right. I remember so many things about Monsieur Wallace, and of you. But the thing that stands out is all the love. The love the two of you shared, the love we students had for him and the love he never tired of giving us. Please know he will not be forgotten nor will you. You both have blessed my life and those of many others. You will remain in my prayers and thoughts, as he has for all these years. God bless you and keep you close to his heart. Much love and sympathy,

Maria Freimark Herrin C/O 89.

To the Wallace family:

I just heard about the news today. I'm so sorry that I couldn't be there to show my support. He was a wonderful and talented teacher. One of the best i ever had . I learned many things from him and Mrs. Wallace. He will be missed greatly.

Mrs Wallace aka "Mom"~

It's hard to even know where to start. Mr. Wallace and yourself were such incredible parent figures during my HS years. The impact that you both had on my life is beyond words. I remember as many other people have posted his good humor, incredible teaching ability, the trip to france.. how could anyone forget that? But, most of all it's the fact that you both CARED so much that it extended far beyond the classroom and had the major role in forming who I am today. Personally, I didn't just lose a teacher.. I lost a father. My love, my condolensces and my thanks to you, Mrs Wallace.

I just heard the news about two weeks ago when I was in town. I am sad to hear that one of my favorite teachers has passed away. Mr. Wallace made class very eventful and exciting. (Elnora J PWHS C/O 1997 )

Mrs.Wallace

I don't know were to begin. I'm sorry for what happened.I still cannot believe this bad news. Mr. Wallace was the greatest, most loving, and caring person I've ever known. There will never be a person in my life that can take the place that he took in my heart. He was not only a teacher, he was a friend. I not only called him Mr. Wallace because he was a teacher, but because he deserved to be respected in many different ways. He tried so hard to help me every time I needed someone. I know he went straight to heaven because he was one true angel. He made me believe in myself, and helped me be were I'm at. I love him so much and will never forget his honesty and love for me and my son Andrew Jr., along with my husband Andrew. I'm glad that god gave me the opportunity to be a small part of his life as his student and friend. I will never forget every moment and talk that I had with him. God bless you Mrs. Wallace, and Mr.Wallace-please don't forget about me watch over me and my family. We all love you and miss you sooo much.



Love, Claudia Navarro

Andrew Jr. & Sr.

Navarro Family,

Ana & Gaby

Mrs. Wallace & Family,



As I mentioned in my note to you, Mr. Wallace was more than just an amazing French teacher. He was an outstanding example of how to live a great life. His energy & passion for everything that he did were infectious. He had a huge impact on my life. When I try to think of someone who loves their job, I always think of Mr. Wallace. Remembering him, and how much he loved his work, gave me the strength to leave a corporate job that I hated to pursue a career that brings me joy. I know that he would tell me that la vie est trop courte.



I can remember his handsome voice & great laugh perfectly, even though I have not heard either in almost 20 years. He inspired me to live life to the fullest & to do everything with excellence as my standard.



I have many memories of Mr.Wallace, especially from our Spring Break trip to Luxembourg and France (via Iceland!). He inspired me to study French as my major in college. I think if he had been my chemistry teacher, I would have ended up a chemist. He was such a spectacular teacher.



I know that you realize how much he was loved by his students and what a great influence he was to us all. I just wanted to share my thoughts & memories with you. God bless you all.



Mes sympathies plus profondes,



(class of 1985)

MRS. WALLACE

I FEEL FOR YOUR LOSS, AS I KNOW JERRY MEANT SO MUCH TO YOU.YOU KNOW YOU HAVE MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY. IT WAS A GREAT LOSS FOR PROVISO WEST HIGH SCHOOL AS MR. WALLACE WAS A GREAT TEACHER AND MENTOR TO SO MANY STUDENTS. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.

Dear Alexis,

I was deeply saddened when I learned of Gerry's passing. He always was one of my favorite "relatives" in my Proviso family. Years ago, as a rookie in the Main Office, I vividly remember Gerry coming through during his lunch hour. He would greet all of us girls with his deep voice and ask how we were doing. We would give him our daily Jeopardy answer waiting for his usual quick respond. He never let us down. He always made us smile.

I enjoyed talking with him whether we were discussion our favorite foods, the latest movies, or his travels. I never tired listening to him speak whenever he would leave, the same thought ran through my head--what a gentleman.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Love, Monica

Dear Alexis and Family,

We pray for your strength and comfort on the loss of our dearest Jerry. May God bless and keep you.

Love, Don, Deb, and Deon

Alexis,

There are so many special memories because Jerry was truly a special person. I'll always remember him in gymnastics and his contribution to the program. Also very special was when he was going to ask you to marry him--we were so happy and could hardly wait. He sang in the talent show in French. God bless him and you.

Much sympathy, Rose Ruffolo

Mrs. Wallace,

I'm very sorry for your loss. It was a beautiful service and I felt very encouraged.

I will miss seeing Mr. Wallace across the hall during the passing periods. He was always kind to me and encouraging. I will miss talking to him. We shared a mutual dislike of the overhead projector. I loved his no-nonsense approach with students and his wayof cutting through all the garbage.

Sincerely, Monique Hoskins

I don't know if Gerry ever knew what a positive influence he had on me. I wouldn't be half the person I am now without his guidance and example. I will miss him.

Heather Loresch Stevens

Mrs. Wallace

Let me first say that one of my fondest memories of high school is the sound of Mr. Wallace's beautiful voice. He spoke to everyone in the hall. Although I took Spanish, I always felt that Mr. Wallace's French class was a treat that I had missed.

On a personal note, I lost my husband two years ago. Please know that my heart aches for you. I also bear witness to you that the Lord our God can and will be your everything. Please take it one minute at a time and trust Him. I love you, and I am praying for you.

La Tonya Horton Stewart c/o '92

Dear Alexis,

We were sorry to hear of Gerry's passing. Mary Ellen and I will keep you and Gerry in our prayers. Accept our deepest sympathy. I will always remember the fun and competitiveness we had with "Frenchy" playing trivial Pursuit every lunch period for years at West.

Mr. Wallace was dearly loved by all of his students. More than just teaching French, or taking us on an unforgetable trip to Europe, Mr. Wallace taught us important lessons in life. He was truly a mentor and a gentleman. Even with his passing, he will remain in my thoughts forever. My sincere condolences to Mrs. Wallace and the Wallace family.

The Wallace Family would like to thank the many students Jerry has taught and /or taken to Europe on Spring break during his thirty years in the classroom for the wonderful, inspirational, and humorous expressions in Legacy.com. All of them are reflections of the devoted teacher, mentor, and friend who loved Proviso West High School, his many students through the years, and his beloved family. May God bless all of you.

Jerry's sister,

It's a feeling echoed by many. There are no words that can truly describe they way I feel about his passing. But I find comfort in the fact that every memory I have of him brings a smile to my face. I find myself clinging on to every french word that I remember, knowing very well that each one was a teaching that came from him. Merci Monsieur Wallace. And as you used to say, vaya con Dios. Mrs. Wallace, I love you, you're in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Mrs. Wallace,

I along with my sisters Mimi, Vida and Danica were truly saddened at the news of Mr. Wallaces passing. He will always forever be our "Monsieur".

With Love & Sincerity,

Smilja

Mr. Wallace,



You truly are a good man and son of GOD. You definitely listened to your Father's call. And we all know that your beloved, Mrs. Wallace, is heartbroken. But, she will also be ok. For God has other plans for all of us left behind.You probably don't remember me at Proviso, but being up there in Heaven, I know you'll be watching all of us here on earth. Mrs. Wallace, I'm sure is surrounded by many loving and caring people. And for now, I must go so I can visit her before I go to work. I'm sure you're having a blast there with our Father Almighty. Pray for us!



We are missing you, Mr. Wallace!

Alexis--

Please know that our prayers are with you and your family. Mr. Wallace was such a wonderful man with a strong spirit who was an inspiration to so many, especially his students. It was an honor to teach as a colleague of his at Proviso. May the Lord comfort you.

You were a great man Mr. Wallace. Truly an angel sent by god,but now he wants you by his side again. You will always be remembered with love. Thank You for all the great memories.

Dear Mrs. Wallace,

I know this must be a difficult time for you. Once again, I would like to offer my sincere condolences for your loss.

I admired Mr. Wallace for his sense of adventure and determination. In spite of his physical challenges, he traveled overseas--and opened up the world to his students. He obviously cared enough about his students to offer them such an opportunity. While travel is exhilarating, it can also be strenuous--as you well know. Moving from place to place, rushing to catch trains, and dealing with steep terrain are just some of the negative aspects of traveling.

None of that seemed to bother Mr. Wallace. He had a real love for adventure and that was apparent when you spoke to him about his travels. I can't help but think that he is now on an even greater journey--one guided by angels--that will be more exhilarating than he ever imagined.

Mr. Wallace will remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely, Karen Hammoud

Mrs. Wallace and family,



I was shocked and saddened to read in the Charlotte Observer about the untimely death of Mr. Wallace, one of my favorite high school teachers back in Chicago. He was my French teacher at Proviso West in 1980 and 81. Although I am somewhat rusty on the French after 24 years, I remember his love and passion for the language, the country and teaching very well. He really was one of the good ones.



He was also the only teacher in high school who had the rare ability to talk to the students as though he were an equal, while still commanding great respect and discipline (with a smile rather than a command).



He will be missed by the many whose lives he touched!

You were one of the Greatest Teachers!

My prayers go out to you and your family Mrs. Wallace, on behalf of my family and I. I am sorry for your loss.

I had one of the greatest honors of being a student in Mr. Wallace's class for 3 years. He wasn't one of my favorite teachers, he is my favorite and will continue to be. Not only did he open my mind to embrace a different language, culture and people, he opened my heart to love the adventures of exploring the world. I will forever be grateful for that. I had the pleasure of traveling with both Mr. & Mrs. Wallace to Europe twice in 95 and 96. I'm glad I was

there to enjoy a few of his many travels. Most of my happiest memories in H.S. take place in his class. "Eeeehhhhhhrrrrrr" We use to laugh so much when we first learned to pronounce the R's in French.

I know he touched the life of every student that walked through his classroom door and every person that crossed his path. He didn't take his job as a chore, he put his heart into it. Boy, did we notice it. His warmth made us feel special. What we have in our hearts will keep his memory alive forever. I want to thank Monsieur Wallace for letting me be a little fragment of his life because it made a world of difference in mine. Thank you!



Toujours dans mon coeur, toujours sera.

I am deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Mr Wallace. I had the honor of being his French student from 94/95 to 96/97 and traveling to Europe with both Mr. and Mrs. Wallace. Since then I moved to San Diego and both my sister Norma and I miss them terribly. Mrs. Wallace I am sorry for your loss. He was a woderful teacher, mentor, and friend.

Mrs. Wallace,

You have my heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Mr. Wallace a true champion. While Terrell was home for Christmas, we were talking about you guys and wondering how Mr. Wallace was doing and saying we had to find a way to get in touch with you all. We found out today, that Mr. Wallace had died and it truly hurt. My prayers are with you and your family and I wish it wasn't like this that I had to converse with you. Take care...

Love,

Ms. Bennett

Monsier Wallace was one of my favorite teachers. There was nothing like coming to class and singing aux champs-elysees so loud that the classes down the hall could hear. Mr. Wallace was an example of a teacher that cared outside of just being a teacher, and it will never be forgotten.

Mrs. Wallace you are definitely in my prayers; along with the rest of your family.



Love always,

Shanna Moore c/o 96

I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the passing of such an excellent and genuinely well-loved educator. It seems that in the past two weeks we (myself and other PW alumni) spent a lot of time discussing the good times we had in Mr. Wallace's classroom; closing the door to have deep discussions about food, singing Barry White's "Practice what you Preach", learning to see beyond limitations and to embrace the world outside our imagined boundaries. I went to Europe with Mr. Wallace in 1994, and I have not forgotten a single moment of the fun we had and the "joie de vivre" of this wonderful man. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Wallace for the love you shared with your students.

Mrs. Wallace-

My deepest sympathy goes out to you this day. The passing of Mr. Wallace is a true loss of kind and gentle man. I will pray for you and your family.

You know I am always available to pray with you or offer words of encouragment. You were faithful to the vows you made to Jerry! Find comfort in the fact that you were the best!

k

I am very sorry to learn of your loss. Gerry was a wonderful teacher and a Christian gentleman. He will be greatly missed by everyone. My condolences to Alexis and the entire family.



Sincerely,



Jann Beauchamp

MAY GOD BLESS YOU (DELORIS)AND YOUR FAMILY

I am grateful for the opportunity of

subbing for Mr. Wallace's French classes at Proviso West on various occasions. What a special human being. He and his wife Alexis are among the most generous people I've ever met.



"Merci. Que Dieu vous benisse Mr. Wallace".



My heartfelt prayers are with you.



Respectfully,



Michele

Mr. Wallace, I really miss you but the Lord know best, you were a great person to know, remember what you know joe and sing don't know nothing, Will remember always with Love. Ms. Ray

Madame Wallace and family of Monsieur,



I am deeply saddened by your loss. Monsieur was the greatest teacher I had during my education. It was his French classes at Proviso where it didn't matter what color you were...we were all "French". It was his teachings that helped me on my trip to France in 1992 where I was still able to speak French well enough even though I had not taken a class since 1984! His teaching style was the greatest and has always set the standard by which I rated my other instructors. I spoke about Monsieur with other PW grads just two weeks ago about what an awesome man he was! Last, I was excited that my own son had decided to take French next year when he begins high school. Knowing what a joy learning the language was for me, I hope he someday finds a teacher as wonderful as Monsieur to inspire him. My thoughts will be with his family and friends during this difficult time.

Cousin Jessie,



Please accept our sincere condolences upon the death of Gerald.

We will always cherish his memory and our connections as family,

fellow church members at Grier Heights and alums of Johnson C. Smith University. Our lives have been advanced by his contributions to society, enriched by the memory of the ways in which he touched our lives, and spiritually uplifted by his love for us all.

--The Wallaces (David, Iris, Anyeka and Junior)

I'm so sorry to hear about Jerry. My prays are with your family . May God Bless you and your family. Everytime I pass the Wallace House, I think of the fun times that I had as a child, every time I visit my cousin's down the street. Jerry and his sister Delores (Duke) we had fun times just talking,laughing and playing outside. Your family have my sympathy.



Love Ya!!!

Lois