UNION, WV --- Barbara Clark Wallace, age 81, of Union, WV departed this life for her Heavenly Home on Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019 at the Greenbrier Health Care Center in Farilea, WV. Barbara was born on January 1, 1938 to her parents Irl Cooper Wallace and Fannie Mack Echols Wallace at the Monitor near Pickaway, WV. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Conley Wallace and Randall Wallace, her sisters Elva Clemons, Janie Patton, Mildred McClung, June Campbell, and nephews Tommy Patton and Johnny McClung. She is survived by one sister, Sue Via, fifteen nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and nephews. Barbara had no children of her own but was a beloved aunt to all these nieces and nephews who visited her often.

Barbara attended Fairview School through the 8 ^th grade. She graduated from Union High School in 1955 and was the Valedictorian of her class. She graduated from Concord College in 1959 majoring in home economics and biological science. During her college days she served as President of the Home Economics Society. After college, she started her teaching career at Union High School. She was a popular Home Economics teacher and sponsored the FHA at the high school. Many of her students' exhibits won awards at the State Fair. She continued teaching at Union High School until she retired in 1989. After retirement she taught GED classes. She also joined the Retired Teachers Association.

Growing up, Barbara was a member of the New Lebanon Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After moving to Union, she became a member of the Union United Methodist Church. She was a very active member. She served as the charge treasurer for many years. She was in charge of the church news letter and attended many church conferences.

Although, she did not seek recognition for her contributions, Barbara was the co-founder of the Food Pantry sponsored by the church which is still going strong and now supports 90 families. She also founded the After-School Kids program for area youth that ran for many years with the support of Ed and Sue Via which provided fellowship, homework help, and snacks. She was one the original organizers of the Harvest Festival which raised thousands of dollars through auctions and food sales.

Barbara was a very talented seamstress and crafter, especially needlework. She was an excellent cook. They family enjoyed many wonderful meals at her home. She was very kind and generous to her family members and several charities. In her later years, she became a cat lover, sheltered and fed many local cats.

Barbara enjoyed traveling to many parts of WV, several other states, and Canada. One special trip was to Scotland where her 6 ^th great-grandfather, Peter Wallace, Sr. was born. She assisted her sister June Campbell in writing a genealogical record of the Wallace descendants. Later, she wrote a genealogical record of the Echols Family. She also organized the Wallace Family Reunion for many years in honor of her parents. Every year an auction was held, and the money raised was donated to a Monroe County organization in need.

Funeral services to honor Barbara's life will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 25, 2019 at the Union United Methodist Church in Union, WV with Rev. Kelly Martin officiating. Burial will follow in Green Hill Cemetery, Union, WV. Friends may call Wednesday, April 24, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Groves-Mann Funeral Home in Union, WV. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Food Pantry at the Union United Methodist Church, 219 S. Main Street Union, WV 24983. Those wishing to send the Wallace Family online condolences  or sign the online guestbook may do so by visiting www.groves-mann.com Arrangements by Groves-Mann Funeral Home in Union, WV.