Carol Margaret Wallace (James)

Born in Pacoima, California to Robert and Melba James, she was the youngest of five siblings. Growing up in a large family created lifelong memories and stories, which have been passed down for generations throughout the family. Carol didn’t look like your normal country girl but she was raised with a milk cow in the garage, a pet raccoon named Pete, chickens, and of course the family dog, Wimpy. Carol loved her family and enjoyed spending time at the family cabin in Sugarloaf, built by Robert and Melba; family Christmas Eves that grew so big they had to be held at Hodels or Woolgrowers to accommodate everybody; and large family outdoor gatherings.

Carol met the love of her life, Schuyler Wallace Sr, while attending Bakersfield High School. They married in 1955. Carol used to boast that she graduated from high school, got married, and turned 18 all in the same month.

Schuyler and Carol had four children: Schuyler Jr., Cheryl, Laura, and Michael. Carol worked predominantly in the banking industry, working at Crocker Bank for over 20 years before becoming a school secretary at the Bakersfield City School District, from which she retired. Upon retiring she promptly opened a gift shop in Rosedale called Bee Hive Interiors. She loved every minute of running her little shop and enjoyed seeing friends and relatives on a regular basis. No one will ever forget her annual holiday bazaars where she opened her home for family and friends to gather.

Schuyler and Carol moved to Oregon in 2010 and enjoyed living on the beautiful Charbonneau golf course. Since Schuyler’s passing in 2023, Carol had lived independently at SpringRidge retirement community in Wilsonville, Oregon, where she enjoyed playing Bingo, exercise class, social hours, and dining with her special groups of friends.

Carol was adored by everyone who met her, particularly her family: Children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and siblings. She radiated kindness, joy, love, beauty, and a smile that could light up the night.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Schuyler; her son Michael; her daughter Laura; her mother and father, Robert and Melba James; and her brother Robert.

Carol is survived by her loving children: Schuyler Jr. and his wife Kari; daughter Cheryl Wallace Vorhees; seven grandchildren; Natasha, Nichole (Steve), Jared (Heather), Schuyler III (Anna), Bret (Allie), Evan, and Naomi (Patrick); eight great-grandchildren; Steven, Ky, Nathan, Chase, Caleb, Carson, Sophie, and Blake; sisters Joan Robinson and Nancy Harris; brother Donald James; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Graveside services will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park & Mortuary in Bakersfield, California on March 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 in the chapel.

Pallbearers will be Jared Vorhees, Schuyler Wallace, Bret Vorhees, Evan Wallace, Kelly O’Halloran, and Lawrence Mann.