Wilhemina Melba Wallace

It is with deep love and heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, Wilhemina Melba Wallace, who passed peacefully at her home on the afternoon of Friday, January 2, 2026.

Melba was born on August 16, 1934, in Pitts, Georgia, to the late Leo Mozart Holley and Elizabeth Louisiana Martin Holley. During her high school years, she moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where she graduated from Robert E. Lee High School. On June 6, 1953, she married the love of her life, James Austin Wallace, in Folkston, Georgia. Together, they began a remarkable journey that would span more than seven decades.

As a proud military wife, Melba embraced a life of adventure, supporting James throughout his military career as they and their four sons traveled across the country. Some of her fondest memories were made on the road, exploring new places together in their Winnebago. Along the way, Melba built a dedicated career in Civil Service, serving in Ohio, Newfoundland, California, and Georgia, before retiring from Robins Air Force Base.

Melba found joy in the simple pleasures of life—playing the piano, traveling, and camping with her family. Her quiet strength, devotion to family, and gentle spirit touched all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, Melba was preceded in death by her beloved son, Dwain Marcus Wallace.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories, lovingly carried on by her devoted husband of 73 years, James Austin Wallace; her sons, James Austin Wallace, Jr., Dexter Lynn Wallace (Judy) of Covington, and Dwight Anthony Wallace of Raleigh, North Carolina; her grandchildren, James Austin Wallace III, Tiffany Whittington, Donnie Wallace, Ashley Wallace, Austin Wallace, Amber Stallings, Haley Rybarczyk, and Brett Wallace; her twelve great-grandchildren; and her brother, Randall Melvin Holley of Jacksonville, Florida.

Melba will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the love she shared, the life she built, and the family she held so dear.

Melba’s family will receive friends at McCullough Funeral Home on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home with Reverend Jeff Cleghorn officiating. Following the service, Melba will be laid to rest in Magnolia Park Cemetery.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.