Annie Ruth (Eison) Wallace

Annie Ruth Eison Wallace departed this life unexpectedly on December 26, 2022, at home in Woodbridge, Virginia. She was born on July 9, 1950, in Union, South Carolina.

Annie accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Saint Paul Baptist Church, Union, SC. Later, she joined First Mount Zion Baptist Church in Dumfries, VA, with her family.

She attended Sims High School in Union, SC, and was crowned “Miss Sims High” during her senior year. She continued her education at Benedict College in Columbia, SC, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education.

A professional educator for over forty-four years, Annie was a beloved teacher who touched the lives of many of her students. A highlight of her teaching career occurred from 1988 to 1990 when she accompanied her husband (the Assistant Air Attache) on a diplomatic assignment to the American Embassy in Moscow, Russia. While in Moscow, she was the first African American educator employed by the Anglo-American School, where she taught international students from over thirty countries.

Annie continued teaching when she returned to the United States. She taught in D.C. Public Schools (1990-1995) and Prince William County Schools until she retired. Annie believed in parental and community engagement. She sponsored a Valentine’s Dance for many years. Her students still remember participating in this dance. She taught them how to waltz and proper etiquette. The Valentine’s Dance started small but became an annual event for all third graders. Parents and community members offered their time and talents to ensure the students were given this opportunity. She dedicated her time and effort to creating an unforgettable experience for her students.

She was a natural-born teacher and continued to educate the next generation through volunteer work because she knew all the tools to make students successful. As a result, her students remember her as a beautiful, well-dressed, shining light. Her children and granddaughter have become educators in elementary and secondary schools. “A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind, and touches a heart.”

Annie was a dedicated member of various social and community organizations, including the Washington Hillbillies, Metro Ladies, Links Inc, Archousai, and Jack and Jill of America.

Annie was preceded in death by her father (Richard Allen Eison), mother (Irene Stevens Eison), and brother Matthew Eison.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Lewis S. Wallace Jr., Colonel, USAF (Ret.); four children - Steven Wallace, Salisbury, NC; Marten (Melissa) Wallace, Gainesville, VA; Karen Wallace, Woodbridge, VA and Torrey (Amanda) Terry, Woodbridge, VA; two granddaughters - Anastasiya Wheeler and Isis Wallace; three grandsons - Marten Wallace Jr, Eli Wallace, and Landon Wallace; one great-grandson – Kaidon Smith; three sisters - Jennie Glenn, Spartanburg, SC, Jean Robinson, Upper Marlboro, MD; Brenda Eison, Philadelphia, PA; and a host of relatives and friends.

Annie was a phenomenal wife, mother, sister and friend. We feel very blessed that she had this time to spend with us.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at the First Mount Zion Baptist Church, 16622 Dumfries Road, Dumfries, VA 22025, with viewing at 10:00 am and services beginning at 11:00 am. Interment service is scheduled for 12:30 pm at Quantico National Cemetery in Triangle, VA.

Arrangements are with Mountcastle Turch Funeral Home, 4143 Dale Boulevard, Dale City, VA.

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