Sallie Ralls Hallmark

Sallie Bibb Ralls Hallmark passed away Friday evening at her home in Gadsden, Alabama after an extended illness. Born August 3, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Howard Lee Ralls and Sallie Bibb Baugh Midgley Ralls of Gadsden. She was the wife of 58 years of the late Howell Lee Hallmark. She was preceded in death by her siblings; Lt. Col. Howard Lee Ralls Jr., William Cooper Ralls, Marjorie Midgley Ralls Walter, Charles Holley Midgley, Jeanne Slade Ralls Beaird, and Dr. Oscar Erle Ralls.

She is survived by four daughters; Hope Hallmark Saxon, Joy Lee Hallmark, Bibb Hallmark Holland, and Montye Hallmark Thompson; three sons in law; Joseph Saxon, Randy Holland, and Jody Thompson; five grandchildren; Joseph Lee Saxon, Rebecca Bibb Holland, Sarah Elizabeth Holland, Shelby Lee Thompson, and Max Howell Thompson; two great grandsons; Liam Howell Horst and Wyatt Jefferson Chorlog; and one sister in law; Sue Cheatwood Ralls. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Sallie's family has been in Etowah County since its founding in 1867, and she was a life-long resident of Gadsden and a member of First United Methodist Church. A 1947 graduate of Gadsden High School, she first worked for The Gadsden Times. She married Howell Lee Hallmark in 1949, and after her first three daughters were born she became a kindergarten teacher at The Episcopal Day School. Among the many civic and social organizations in which she was involved include The Etowah County Chapter of the American Red Cross, Thirteenth Place for Disadvantaged Youth, The Forrest Cemetery Board of Trustees, the Architectural Review Board of the Turrentine Avenue Historic District, and The First United Methodist Church of Gadsden. She was organizing Vice-Regent of The Big Wills Chapter of The Daughters of the American Revolution. Sallie and her friends began playing Mah Jong in the 1960's and spread the love of the game throughout the community by teaching classes through The Gift to Gadsden at First United Methodist Church.

The quintessential southern lady, she was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great grandmother, mother-in-law, and friend. Sallie will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Visitation will be Monday, July 30, 2018, from 12:00 to 2:00 at First United Methodist Church, with burial service at 2:00. Graveside service will follow at Forrest Cemetery. Dr. Sam Hayes officiating.

Pallbearers will be Joseph Saxon, Randy Holland, Jody Thompson, Sheppard Midgley, James Adams, Lee Saxon, Max Thompson, and Dr. Vernon Horst.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be sent to The First United Methodist Church.

Special thanks to Dr. Sandra Carpenter, Dr. Dominic Homan, Geneva Butler, Dee Argo, Amedisys Hospice, and Compassionate Comforters.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.collier-butler.com for the Hallmark family.