Mary Lou Wallace

Mary Lou Wallace, 87, affectionately known to all as “Nana,” entered her heavenly home on February 7, 2026, passing peacefully at her residence in Sherwood, Arkansas. Born on May 4, 1938, in Tichnor, Arkansas, she was the beloved daughter of the late Otis Elroy and Elizabeth Jane Sandage.

Mary Lou gained her Heavenly Wings after a life lived with unwavering faith, steadfast love, and a heart devoted to serving the Lord. She often said she wanted to “fight the good fight and finish the race,” and she did exactly that.

She attended Fairview School House Elementary and later graduated from Gillett High School. From a young age, Mary Lou dedicated her life to Christ and to loving her family with her whole heart. Her legacy is one of compassion, encouragement, and pointing others toward Jesus. She never missed an opportunity to share the love of Christ, whether through conversation, prayer, or her decades of service in the church.

For more than sixty years, she faithfully attended Grace Church of the Nazarene where she taught Sunday School classes for both teens and adults, taught Bible studies, sang in the choir, served on the church board and also church treasurer. She led Ladies Ministries, organized Prayer and Fasting, rolls countless bandages for missions and was known as one of the most powerful and faithful prayer warriors- someone whose faith strengthened everyone around her. Her Bible was always nearby, well worn from years of study, reflection, and sharing God’s promises with others.

She also found joy in the simple beauties of life. She loved birds, flowers, and spending time in her yard—so much so that she proudly earned Sherwood’s Yard of the Month. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, and crafting but nothing brought her more joy than reading her Bible and loving her family. She never met a stranger and welcomed everyone with warmth and kindness.

She often reminded those she loved, “If we miss Heaven, we have missed it all,” and she prayed earnestly for all to come to repentance and spend eternity with the Lord. Her life was a life well spent—one that brought glory to God in every season.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Ronald Jay Wallace and they will be celebrating their 1st Heavenly anniversary together this Saturday what would have been 68 years. She is also proceeded by her brothers, Charles and Howard Sandage.

She is survived by her three daughters: Rhonda (Roy) Edwards, Terri Hobson, and Kim Pierce; her grandchildren: Bradley Edwards, Brandi (Stacy) Staton, Brittany (Cody) Chancellor, Tyler (Brooke) Pierce, and Leia Holland; and her great grandchildren: Natalie, Cameron, McKenzie, Jonah, Christopher, Waylon, and Lilli. She also leaves behind countless loved ones, extended family, and her cherished church family.

Special thanks are extended to Gentiva Hospice for their love, compassion, and support during her final days. Their care was a blessing to the entire family.

Additional special thanks to Scott Brents with Fairytale Florals for your love, compassion, and all you do for all of us.

A celebration of Mary Lou’s life will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Grace Church of the Nazarene, located at 3923 Camp Robinson Road, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72118. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the service at 12:00 p.m. Internment will immediately follow at Rest Hills Memorial Park, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72117.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to her beloved church, a place she poured her heart into and served with such love and dedication.

To God be the glory for her life of service.

“Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy of the Lord.’” — Matthew 25:23