Shirley Goodman Wallace

Shirley Goodman Wallace of Thomasville, AL, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026, surrounded by family. She was born on December 20, 1946, in Ozark, AL. She was the beloved child of Evelyn Sasser Goodman and Robert Leonard Goodman. Shirley was a servant of the Lord. She served others in every element of her life, including her husband, family, children, grandchildren, friends, and community. She was devoted to her husband, Lou, for better, worse, richer, poorer, sickness and health. She loved and cherished him until her death. She dedicated her life to caring for her children and teaching them to be kind, independent, and hard working. Shirley embodied the love of Christ to all those around her.

Shirley graduated from Central High School in 1965 in Phenix City, AL. She married Louie P. Wallace, III in 1969 and lived for a significant time in Eufaula, AL, followed by Thomasville, AL. Shirley adored building a family with her husband, Lou, as a stay at home mom and homemaker. She joyfully cared for her children, cooked, cleaned, sewed clothes for her family, and volunteered in the church and community. Shirley also demonstrated the professional capabilities of women as she returned to Troy State University and received a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education and a Master's Degree in Special Education. She taught at several schools, with most of her teaching career in the special education program at Thomasville High School. Shirley loved and cared for her students as if they were her own family. She was an advocate for educational and professional opportunities for all people of all abilities.

Shirley had great devotion to family. She often traveled great distances with her husband to attend weddings, funerals, and other events for extended family across the Southeast and beyond. It was important for her to frequent the birthdays, concerts, and sporting events of her grandchildren no matter how far away they lived.

Shirley was an avid gardener with her husband, Lou. She shared much of her produce with friends and neighbors. Shirley had a great sense of humor, especially when around her sisters and friends. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, sewing, and spending time with friends. Her favorite thing to do was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great granddaughter. She took daily walks and was renowned for her excellent cooking, especially homemade biscuits and chicken and dumplings.

Shirley was a long time member of Thomasville Baptist Church where she filled many roles as teacher, cook, GA leader, and VBS volunteer. She frequently cooked meals for those who were sick or grieving. Shirley was a member of the Thomasville Lions Club, Gideons International, RSVP, and Salvation Army Board of Directors. She volunteered at the voting polls and Thomasville Nursing Home where she cooked a weekly family style meal for the residents.

Shirley shared Jesus with her children, friends, neighbors, and others. She worshiped God through thick and thin. Several frequent quotes of Shirley remembered by her family are, "No matter what happens in life, God is with you and loves you," "We may not be rich with money, but we are rich in love," and "You can do anything you want to do if you set your mind to it!"

Shirley is survived by her husband Louie Wallace and her three children Terra Rowley (Mike), Wade Wallace (Samantha), and Kerry Semmes (Michelle). Her grandchildren include Bo Wallace, Mac Wallace, Beverly Rowley, Wallace Rowley, Craig Rowley, James Stoner, David Reynolds, Lauren Bitzel, Liberty Tabor, Justice Tabor, Hunter Snyder, Ashton Raymond, Maddox Semmes, and great-grandchild Delilah Rowley. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Evelyn Sasser Goodman and Robert Leonard Goodman, her sisters Charlotte Goodman and Robin Porter, and her niece Amanda Porter.

A graveside service will be held on June 4, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Laurel Hill Cemetery, 800 E Jackson St, Thomasville, GA 31792. A memorial service will be held on June 5, 2026 at 6:30 pm at Thomasville Baptist Church, 210 Wilson Ave, Thomasville, AL 36784. All who knew Shirley are welcome to attend.

The family welcomes donations made in her honor to The Salvation Army (Thomasville, AL), Gideons International, or St Jude's Children's Hospital.