Shelva Jean Wallace, 85, returned to her heavenly home Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021, with loved ones by her side. Shelva was a bright and beautiful soul, whose infectious smile and laughter always made those around her feel important and loved.

Shelva was born July 20, 1936, in the small township of Gad, Nicholas County, West Virginia, to John and Beatrice Sparks Bailes. She moved to Texas in 1959. She lived in Boyd for many years and later relocated to Canton for 25 years. Shelva was strong when strength was needed, yet as gentle and kind as anyone could possibly be. Her life was filled with challenges and struggles which she always met head on with an unwavering conviction to overcome. Because of these struggles, she was able to be a calming and positive influence to many that sought her advice and counsel. She had many talents, illustrated in her home and yard. She loved caring for her many animals and gardening. She took great pride in her beautiful pink rose garden. Shelva was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She had a strong testimony. She served in many callings in the church where she was a positive influence for good.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Wallace in 1991, and daughter, Janice Cross. Those left behind to cherish her memory are her sister, Shirley Margaret Cockrell of Seminole, Florida; children, John Mark Wallace (Shelly) of Ft. Worth, Deborah June Symes (Craig) of Garden City, Utah, John Wesley Wallace (Debbie) of Rhome, Texas, Michele Lynn Wallace (Jon) of Timpson, Texas and Thomas Ray Wallace (Richelle) of Boyd, Texas; 20 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. Family received friends and loved ones Friday, Nov. 19, Hawkins Funeral Home, 405 Main Street Decatur, Tx, and Saturday Nov. 20, for a funeral service at LDS Chapel, 202 E. Thompson St. Decatur, Texas, followed by interment at Bluebonnet Hills Cemetery, 5801 Colleyville Blvd, Highway 23, Colleyville, TX.