Our beloved Doris Elaine Wallace, 89, was born in Akron, Ohio, on December 17, 1930.  She passed away at Arbors of Fairlawn, Ohio, on January 13, 2020, after a long illness.

She was the daughter of John Milton Jelks Sr., a native of Eufaula, Alabama, and Elinor A. (Hawley) Jelks, a lifetime resident of Akron, Ohio.   Her brother was the late John Jelks, Jr. of Akron, Ohio.

She graduated from West High School, June 1948.  She attended The University of Akron, where she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education, June 6, 1966.

She was a loyal member of Wesley Temple AME Zion Church for over 55 years, a member of the Missionary Board, and gave and received the love and support of Rev. Loretta Sanders, Mrs. Savannah Ridgill, Mrs. Mary Bronner, and other beloved members of the congregation until the present.

She was a member of the YMCA where she enjoyed exercising with her friends.  She was an active member of the Senior Citizens’ Club at the Ed Davis Community Center, and Mrs. Francis Pringle, a member, was a special friend of the family.

From 2002 to 2007, Doris and her friend, Elizabeth Collier, traveled extensively around the world.  Together they cruised the Caribbean Islands, flown to France, Italy, and Spain.  Flying over the ocean was an experience, as well as St. Thomas’ Virgin Island, Jamaica, Haiti, Mexico, and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Her chosen career was elementary education.   She attended The University of Akron and worked as a substitute teacher from 1965 to 1966.  She later graduated, June 6, 1966, with a degree in Elementary Education.  She taught the 3rd grade from 1967 until she retired May 6, 1991, with 25 years of service from Crouse Elementary School in Akron, Ohio.  Her love of education gained her many lifetime friends and colleagues at Crouse, as well as love from former students who are now adults.   Mr. Myron J. Lewis a former student, considered her his favorite teacher throughout his school years. She loved her family unconditionally and was a devoted wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, William James Wallace Jr., a native of Brighton, Alabama, who retired from Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, after 36-1/2 years of service.

She was a very supportive and loving mother to her three children:  daughter, Von Ellen, Cedar Hill, Texas; and two sons, Martin Elliot, Upland, California; and Allen Glenn, Akron, Ohio; two grandsons, Jamar Tremaine, Allen James Jr.; granddaughter, Brittany Jerita; great-grandson, Allen Jr.; niece, Arnita Hubbard; and a host of cousins and friends.