Obituary - Mayme Beatrice Wallace

We mourn the loss of Ms. Mayme Beatrice Wallace, a beloved figure in Barbourville, who passed away Sunday afternoon, June 15, 2025 at the University of Kentucky Medical Center, with her dear sister, Peggy, Father Peter Joseph, and several dear relatives and friends, by her side. At 73, Mayme’s life was defined by her love of family and others, faith, and dedication to her community.
Born September 12, 1951, in Barbourville, Mayme was the cherished daughter of the late Chester and Katherine White Wallace.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Shirley Joyce, grandparents, Ed and Mayme White, Lena Wallace, and Ben F. and Loretta Brown.
A faithful member of St. Gregory Catholic Church, Mayme was baptized in a moment she called, “the best day of her life.” She guided many toward the Catholic faith as a mentor, sponsor, and godmother, led outreach efforts, and organized memorable church dinners, earning her the affection of many, especially the priests she supported.
Mayme graduated from Union College in 1974 with a degree in home economics, where she was chosen as Homecoming Queen and was active in student government, Girls Service Sorority, the student work-study program, the Student Center Board and the Home Economics Club.
Her career was marked by service. She taught children and adults with intellectual disabilities, provided services to adults with substance abuse problems, and along with her colleagues organized a Special Olympics Team for young adults. The team participated each year in the state games at Eastern Kentucky University.
She later went to work for Knox County Schools where she helped coordinate substance abuse preventive education programs in elementary and high schools.  She was instrumental in organizing the first Fright Night which is still held every Halloween on the Courthouse Square.  Fright Night provides a safe place for children and youth to Trick or Treat along with material on the dangers of drugs. She also collaborated with local and state authorities to implement the D.A.R.E. program and each year sponsored “Red Ribbon Week”, where activities were held throughout the week to highlight the dangers of drugs.  As a consumer science teacher at Knox Central and later Lynn Camp, where she retired, Mayme inspired countless students with her care and wisdom. Her work always focused on uplifting those in need. At the time of her death, she was serving on the Board of Directors of the Cumberland River Behavioral Health, Inc. and the Board of Directors of the Kentucky Communities Equal Opportunities Council (KCEOC).
Mayme was a vibrant member of the Red Hat Society, Barbourville Women of Vision, and the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, a close-knit group of friends. Known for her nurturing spirit, generosity, and love of trinkets, makeup, perfume, and jewelry, she lived with joy and loved fiercely, even when stubborn or upset. Her warmth and fun-loving nature touched everyone.
Those surviving Mayme include her dear sister, Peggy Wallace of Barbourville; aunts, Joan Thompson of Old Town, ME and Deloris White of Lorain, OH; cousins, Tonya Buckley and husband, Tony, of Louisville, Jacquie Pillay and husband, Lloyd, and her beloved cousin, Donovan, of Barbourville.
Mayme was blessed with family and friends who supported her with love and care, alongside dedicated healthcare professionals. Her community’s prayers sustained her and her legacy endures in our hearts.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted in the Conway Boatman Chapel Saturday, June 21 at 11 A.M.  She will be laid to rest in the Rosenwald Cemetery.
Friends may visit at the funeral home Friday between 4 and 8 P.M. with a Rosary Service beginning at 7 P.M.  Saturday friends may visit at the Conway Boatman Chapel prior to the service at 11 A.M.
Please join us for a celebration of Mayme’s life following interment at the Barbourville City School Rock Gym, School Street, Barbourville, Kentucky.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Gregory Catholic Church, 329 Sycamore Drive, Barbourville, KY 40906, are appreciated.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.