Betty Jane Elville Wallace of Nokomis, Florida and formerly Clayton, Georgia passed away peacefully in her family home November 11 th , 2025. Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Col. James H. Wallace (U.S. Army ret.) as well as brother Walter Scott Elville Jr, and siblings Clyde, Wes, Evelyn.
Betty was born in West Philadelphia on March 27, 1931 where she grew up through the Great Depression with her parents and siblings. Betty graduated high school and Pierce Business School earning a job at National Publishing in Philadelphia. While at National Publishing she was “coerced” into a double date with her future husband. James had returned from WWII active duty and was now a reserve officer in the US Army while working in Journalism at National Publishing.
Betty and James were married June 28 th , 1952 and they enjoyed living in several locations about the northeast following his career and military promotions. 1955 and 1957 brought daughters Lynne and Cheryl. Betty became a devoted stay at home mother and dedicated military wife. After the girls were in high school Betty returned to
advertising sales as the sales manager for the Clayton Tribune while James was the editor and publisher. Betty and James considered Clayton, GA home and spent from 1971 until 1994 as residents. Cheryl was welcomed back to Clayton in 1982 with new addition, Chad, a grandson. Betty and James took a very active role in helping to raise
Chad.
After retirement, Betty and James traveled to all 50 states by RV and settled in Nokomis, Florida. Betty is survived by daughter Lynne Pierce of Otto NC, daughter Cheryl Cook (Barry) of Clayton GA and grandson Chad (Kelli) of Commerce GA. Out of utmost respect to the specific wishes of Mrs. Betty J. Wallace, there will be no formal services offered. Eternal rest has already been achieved but earthly internment will be with Col. Wallace and Brother Walter Scott Elville Jr at Rabun Gap Presbyterian Cemetery in Rabun Gap, GA.