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Obituary For Stephen L. Wallace
Ushered in by his Guardian Angel,with full assurance and peace, Stephen excitingly entered into the presence of his Heavenly Father at approximately 10:00 am, Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at the Wendover Hospice House, Shelby, NC.
Stephen was born to the late Minnie Ola Alaman Wallace and Leon Wallace Jr. at the Los Angeles General Hospital, in LA County, California and raised in Orange Co. Santa Ana, California.
Stephen, grew up in a very close knit family in Santa Ana, that included 33 first cousins where the foundation of their elders grounded them with the power of prayer and the Word of God. He would, at a young age, begin playing and singing on a dusty piano in the garage, where his family would meet to have church.
A prolific and creative writer and musician, Stephen, at the age of 17, began to pen the lyrics, songs, prose and poetry inspired upon his heart onto spiral notebooks. To this date Stephen has written over 400 of these writings that have been transposed into 2 Albums, “A Time for You”, There'll be Jazz In Heaven and a Devotional book entitled “Two Sides of the Cross” ,“The Cave” a gospel tract of a poetic journey through the shadow of death into the light of life and his pending music project entitled “A Golden Sunset”.
In addition to being a writer and musician, Stephen was a minister and evangelist of The Gospel, a skillful builder, and entrepreneur. The combination of these skills led him and his wife Tanzy to build, from their kitchen table a business, Habilitation and Support Services, Inc. and HELPS 1 to 1. Their business ministry, over a span of 10 years reached up to 400 or more individuals with Mental Health and Development Disabilities and their families in 5 surrounding counties;providing employment for up to 150 personnel!
However, up until his final days, and with his last breath, the Gospel of the Good News of God's love through Jesus Christ, to a hurting world, was his priority to all he came in contact with.
Stephen leaves, to cherish his memories, his beloved wife of 39 years,Tanzy Barrow Wallace, their 4 sons, Nikao Leon Wallace of Shelby NC, Stuart Franklin Wallace (Kaitlyn Wallace,wife and son Michael) of E. Liverpool,Ohio, Emmanuel Stephen Wallace, of Charlotte NC and Simeon Reese Wallace of Boulder,CO. Four siblings, Patrick Leon Wallace (Christina) Riverside CA, Cynthia Elaine Lucas (Deceased) Tamela Ellis (Anthony) Shelby, NC and Terry Lee Wallace, Shelby, NC along with a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was know as “Uncle Steve” to many and he lovingly honored that title.
Home-going services will be on Thursday, October 10th at 2pm at The First Baptist Church of Shelby's Webb Chapel, behind the main sanctuary on Washington Street.
The family will receive the visitation of friends on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 from 6:30-8:00 pm at Enloe Mortuary at 231 N.Lafayette St. Shelby, NC.
Cards and expressions of condolence can be mailed to “The Wallace Family” at 1104 S. Lafayette St. Shelby, NC 28152
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made to help complete Stephen's music project called “A Golden Sunset”.
Donations can be made via Venmo directed to “@Tanzy-Wallace-1”or via CashApp directed to “$TanzyWallace”. Please title the payment “A Golden Sunset” so that the family can track the donations. Thank you so much for helping our family bring Stephen’s project to life!
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Donna Colbert sent The Peace Lily for Stephen L. Wallace - October 09, 2024
I truly thank God for placing such a talented & inspiring Shepard in my life. My deepest condolences to the family from; Jett Edwards & Believes Today NPO
Serene Lily Basket was sent for Stephen L. Wallace - October 08, 2024
Ocean Devotion was sent for Stephen L. Wallace - October 07, 2024
Yolanda Hill sent The Peace Lily for Stephen L. Wallace - October 07, 2024
Yolanda and I are praying for you and your family during this difficult time. May God bring you comfort and peace. Lt. Governor Mark Robinson and Yolanda Robinson
My heart goes out to the family. I worked for Steve and Tanzy over 20 years ago, they had an agency call HSS( Habilitation Support Services) we worked with individuals with special needs! What a blessing! We bonded as a family and had developed relationships that still continue today. May God bless you as you enter the Kingdom. You were a good servant and brightened many lives. Silvia Gardner
Steve and I grew up in the same neighborhood in Santa Ana. We were always friends, he was a few years older than me. Last year my wife and I moved to Eastern North Carolina. I was hoping to get out to visit. The Lord had other ideas, Steve is needed in a higher calling. May Heavenly Father's blessing be upon your family. Love the Kennedy family
As kids in Santa Ana we walked miles together to the swimming pools or to buy a baseball glove with S&H Green Stamps. We hit every fruit tree along the way to feed ourselves. We found bamboo plants that we took and cut to make pole vaulting a backyard sport. Steve went on the vault in high school for SAV. What a time we had.
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Loss of a spouse is a significant type of tragedy. I can empathize with you as I think of my spouse daily. Sherry Yocum
With thoughts and prayers for you and family. The loss of a spouse is a significant loss and I can empathize with you, as I miss my husband daily. Sherry Yocum
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Stephen. Please know I am thinking of you and praying the memories and love he showered upon his family will assist in making this sad time a bit easier for you. With Love, Aunt Doris Ann Shipman
I would like to send my deepest condolences to my family. May God bring peace to the Wallace family. Stephen was a great man. A man who left a void in this world. You will forever be missed. Tanzy Wallace you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers🙏🏾.
Uncle Steve was a great man of God. His talented and beautiful heart made him such an inspiring mentor, uncle, and man after God's heart. Uncle Steve and Aunt Tanzy were and are very special to my heart. Heaven gained another amazing prayer warrior!
I hope to be there Wednesday. I missed visiting Steve by one day. I hope to be with you Wednesday! You know my prayers are with you! Ken
Tanzy,
Our condolences to you and the family on your loss. Our prayers are with you.
Rev. Dante' and Dr. Kimberly Murphy
Wilmington, NC
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! There will be "jazz in heaven"! That beautiful music soothed me during some challenging times!! Thank you!! May he rest in peace! Love and hugs to you all!!
So glad God blessed me to have met him. Rest well, prayers for the family. 🙏🏾🕊️❤️
So sorry to hear of your loss. Great person. You have my prayers for you and your family.
My love thoughts and prayers to you Tanz your sons and family. So sorry for your loss. May the Lord's comfort and peace be with each of you.
When John and I (Helen) and our 6 children moved to Shelby from Louisville Ky in 1996, Stephen and Tanzy heard about our family through his oldest son Nikko. Stephen found out that John was a base player and loved Jazz and they both connected right away, and became friends. Stephen and Tanzy invited us to come over to have dinner with his family and to jam a little. They were the first family that invited our family, to their home for dinner, which made us feel very welcome in Shelby. Plus we were so happy to find someone to fellowship with, as a family. Stephen loved the Lord, loved wordship and Jazz. He had a big heart, and was full of compassion, when it came to helping older or young people. My family enjoyed our time around the dinner table, singing and playing the piano and talking about the Lord. Our condolences go out to his wife Tanzy and his family. We know he is in a better place with the Lord and we will see him again. So my husband and I prayer for strength, peace and comfort during this time of transition for his family.🙏❤️ the Myers
YES, there will be Jazz in Heaven; with a special guest performance by Stephen Wallace tonight. My kids knew him as 'Uncle Steve.' We all knew him as faithful, kind, nourishing, comforter, manly, cheerful, full of grace and generous. Stephen was one of the "Mighty Men of Valor." Judges 6:12 "And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, "The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor" Stephen brought comfort to a multitude of people, opening his home up to those in need. He ministered with compassion and showed grace to all. My kids loved to visit with Uncle Steve and Aunt Tanzy. He will hold a special place in my family's heart forever. Our prayers are with Tanzy, Nikao, Stuart, Emmanuel, Simeon and Brother Terry; along with all those who are grieved by his passing. We love you and we miss you 'Uncle Steve.' Peter M Cabaniss and Family
Since the wedding day of Stephen and Tanzy we witnessed the confident Christian that grew stronger and even more abundantly fruitful over; their love for each other and Jesus Christ has been healing and inspirational...what a beautiful Christian family exemplifies Jesus Christ love on earth and eternal life in Heaven. May God comfort us all. Love Gloria Rena Chambers, Anita Marie Dean, Porter and Willie and Mary Myles family
Stephen was family-oriented,a faithful servant, and talented singer and musician. One of my favorite songs is "l Am Determined." The family is in my thoughts and prayers. Laura Rudisill.
Stephen, was a gifted minister, dedicated and faithful Christian man of God, Loving and Devoted Husband to Tanzy and Role Model for his four boys and family members.
Stephen, was a gifted and accomplished musician, singer, composer, poet and writer. He, will surly and fondly be missed by all of knew and loved him.
Warren C. Cabaniss, Charlotte, NC & The Cabaniss Family Affairs Association
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
