John Thomas Stancil » Harvey Arthur Stancil » Gertrude Stancil Pittman » Mable Irene Pitttman Wallace

Mable Irene Pittman Wallace

• Born Nov. 29, 1923 Johnston County, NC
• Died July 12, 2022 VA
• Married Ed Wallace on July 7, 1945

Irene Pittman was born Nov. 23, 1923, in Johnston County, NC; and died July 12, 2022, in Gloucester, Virginia. She married Ed Wallace on July 7, 1945.
Irene's children with Ed Wallace
Billy Wallace
Bobby Wallace

Mable Irene Pittman was born Nov. 29, 1923, to Fletcher and Gertrude Stancil Pittman.

She was raised on a farm in Kenly, North Carolina, with her brothers and sisters -- Harvey "HA" Pittman, Tom Pittman, Mac Pittman, Gertie Pittman Buchanan, Jenny Pittman Hinnant, Ruth Pittman Langston and Anne Viverette.

Her mom Gertrude, Harvey Stancil's second child and a granddaughter of John Thomas Stancil, was also born in Johnston County.

Irene graduated from Glendale High School after 11 grades in 1940 and when another grade was added, she graduated again in 1941.

Henry “Ed” Edward Wallace, the only son of William Harvey and Ida Belle Wallace, was born in Philadelphia on June 17, 1920. In 1935, his family relocated from Philadelphia back to their roots in Johnston, North Carolina, where his father, a traveling salesman, purchased a farm near Princeton. Ed graduated from Princeton High School and worked as a farm laborer in 1940. His family lived near Minnie Sasser Stancil, the widow of Josiah Stancil, brother of Harvey Stancil.

Irene and Ed's paths first crossed in 1941 at Cash Corner in Kenly, a popular teen hangout known for its blaring music, car hops, and classic drive-in fare. Though both were on dates, Ed was captivated by Irene's friendly, smart, and pretty demeanor and sought her out the following Saturday night. Their initial two-month courtship blossomed, with Ed quickly endearing himself to Irene's family, especially her younger sister Anne, then just 3, with his regular gifts of Juicy Fruit gum.

The outbreak of World War II interrupted their budding romance. Ed enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps on May 13, 1941, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. After basic training, he was initially stationed in Australia and New Guinea for several months before being selected for B-17 bomber pilot training in Texas. Meanwhile, Irene moved to Norfolk, Virginia, in 1942, to live with her older sister Gertie Mae. She worked at Peoples Drug Store, enjoying USO dances, movies, and diligently writing to Ed.

While still in flight school, Ed proposed to Irene over the phone and followed up with a letter and an engagement ring. A close friend, Maybel Moore, placed the ring on Irene’s finger and sent a photograph to Ed. They planned to marry in Louisiana, but their plans were canceled when Ed’s squadron was ordered to England. The wedding was put on hold as Ed began bombing missions over Germany. Irene, never fond of math in school, found herself embracing it in her new role as a payroll clerk at an insurance company in Norfolk, a job she secured through a customer at Peoples Drug Store. She later transferred to Newport News, Virginia.

Tragically, Ed, a B-17 Flying Fortress pilot, was shot down on his 15th mission in March 1944. He spent the remainder of the war as a prisoner of war (POW) at Stalag Luft III POW Camp, an officers-only camp for captured Air Force servicemen, located 100 miles southeast of Berlin in Poland. Communication was sparse during this time, with each letter requiring careful composition. Food rations were meager, but Ed and his fellow POWs found strength in their shared love for their country and loyalty to one another. Upon their release on May 6, 1945, following Germany's surrender, Ed saw an American flag in the distance, signaling their freedom.

Irene and Ed married on July 7, 1945; in a Christian Church in Newport News. Irene wore a two-piece white dotted Swiss suit. Gertie Mae and her husband, Buck Buchanan witnessed the ceremony.

Ed and Irene honeymooned in Washington, D.C., riding the train to Richmond and transferring to another one for D.C. They returned to Newport News on a ferry.

Initially, Irene desired to live closer to her roots, so Ed took a job selling insurance for Interstate Life & Accident Insurance Company in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, but quickly discovered the profession was not for him. They soon returned to Newport News, where Ed began working for Remington Rand Business Machines in 1946, a career that proved to be a perfect fit. Within a few years, he was managing the Service Department.

Irene and Ed joined Parkview Baptist Church in 1947. They were active members. Ed taught Sunday School class for years and Irene served as church secretary and was treasurer of her Sunday school class.

In 1947, Irene and Ed joined Parkview Baptist Church, becoming active members. Ed taught Sunday School for many years, while Irene served as church secretary and treasurer of her Sunday school class. When Ed's mother, Ida, became a widow at 70, she was welcomed into their home and found employment at High's Ice Cream, a popular parlor.

Irene stayed at home until two sons Billy and Bobby were finished with school. She had several careers, including at the lunch counter at the old Roses store in Newmarket Shopping center for a good while. Later she worked at Gulf Life Insurance and Interstate Life Insurance, working in the old Williams building across Warwick Boulevard from Huntington Park.

Ed was a dedicated member and past commander of the Ex-Prisoner of War James L. Hale Memorial Chapter in Hampton, Virginia. Both he and Irene attended several national POW Conventions, even enjoying a St. Louis Cardinals game during one such trip. They also frequently attended Stancil Reunions.

Each summer, the family would take a vacation to White Lake, North Carolina. Joan, Billy, Irene Wallace, Billy Pittman, Abby Farrell, Anne & James Viverette, Jackie Pittman, Marsha & Greg Farrell stayed in Stancil's Cottages at White Lake, North Carolina, a popular resort. Emmette Stancil, first cousin of Irene's mother, Gertrude, owned them.

Irene and Ed shared a love for cards, bowling, and camping with friends. They eventually purchased a beloved spot on Lake Gaston, North Carolina, which became a favorite for Billy and Bobby. For over 30 years, they kept a pop-up camper, sailboat, and ski boat there. They also enjoyed dancing, often spending Friday and Saturday nights square dancing or ballroom dancing. They belonged to a square dance club and attended conventions, where Irene wore custom-made dresses.

They took several cruises to the Bahamas, Nova Scotia, Mexico and the Caribbean. In Nova Scotia, they witnessed Tides in the Bay of Fundy where each day 100 billion tons of seawater flows in and out during one tide cycle.

On the cruises, they attended the formal dances. It gave them an opportunity to dress in formal attire, evening gown and tux. As you would expect, soon many dancers stopped dancing to watch Ed and Irene.

Their favorite vacation was a trip to LA to attend the Lawrence Welk Resort Theatre where they stayed in a time-share for two weeks.

Both Irene and Ed possessed green thumbs, cultivating annual vegetable and flower gardens. One year, they boasted 50 beautiful rose bushes.

After retirement, Ed's artistic talents flourished. He dedicated more time to woodworking, creating beautiful furniture, and expanding his painting skills from watercolors to oils and acrylics, producing landscapes, flowers, and still lifes. He also enjoyed hobbies like woodworking and painting. He became a self-taught woodworker, crafting tables, school desks, and condiment Lazy Susans. Ed was active in his community, serving as a Boy Scout leader for Billy and Bobby’s troop and cheering them on at their Little League games. He developed a close bond with Irene’s sister Anne’s husband, James, meeting him every two months at Hardees in Murfreesboro, North Carolina. They even attended the North Carolina State Fair, dressed in overalls and red bandanas, blending into the “Village of Yesteryear.”

About 15 years before his passing, Ed embarked on another career, assisting with funeral and memorial services at Weymouth Funeral Home. His compassion and ability to comfort the bereaved made him a favorite. He worked there until about three years before his death.

Nancy, Ed's daughter-in-law, shared this about Ed. "He was the best, most loving & most generous (especially with hugs) father-in-law ever! I will miss him so much as we all will! I have a video of him singing 'Old Black Magic' to me while in the nursing home and I will certainly cherish it along with all the other memories!"

Billy's wife Joan, often said, "Ed was the Dad I wish I'd had!" She hung numerous photos of Ed and Irene from with they were young through 2012. When Ed visited, he remarked, "You sure have a lot of photos of me in here!" Then remembers Billy, "Dad and Joan walked through with Dad counting each picture of himself, all the time with that gleam in his eye and a smile on his face. We'll never forget that."

Billy shares this memory about his dad. “When I was 16, I started smoking. I didn't enjoy it, but I did it to be "cool" and because my best friend was a smoker. One day after I'd been smoking for a couple of months, I was getting out of my car to go inside the school to take my SAT tests. I was walking down the sidewalk puffing away when Daddy drove by in his car. He didn't stop so I figured he hadn't seen me. I took my SATs, went home, and was in the den watching TV when he called me into the kitchen. He was eating a bowl of soup and without stopping he said, "How long have you been smoking?" I told him about 3 months. He said, "I better not ever see you smoke another one," and went back to his soup. To this day I have never smoked another cigarette. I sure did love my Dad, and I miss him every day. He lived his life in a way that today, still makes me want to be half the man he is."

In 2008, Ed was named Langley Speedway's Father of the year. Langley is in Hampton, VA. His son Bill races trucks there and Ed was his biggest fan.

Henry “Ed” Edward Wallace passed away peacefully at 93 on November 23, 2013, surrounded by his family: Irene, his wife of 68 years, sons Billy and Bobby, their wives Joan and Nancy, and granddaughter Katy. He had enjoyed over 90 years of good health, moving into Newport News Nursing & Rehab earlier in 2013 to receive extra care. Irene visited often and for long periods, and Billy and Bobby made frequent visits from an hour away.

Ed will be remembered for the twinkle in his eyes, beautiful smile, service and love for others. He left the world a better place and his spirit and example will live on.

The funeral service was held on November 27, 2013, at Weymouth Funeral Home Chapel in Newport News, Virginia, conducted by Reverend Rusty Beck, a close friend and minister of Parkview Baptist Church. Ed received full military funeral honors for his 24 years of active and reserve duty, retiring as a Major from the U.S. Air Force Reserves. Ed is remembered for his twinkling eyes, beautiful smile, and selfless love for others, leaving the world a better place through his spirit and example.

Irene lived independently after Ed's passing, enjoying good health and many friends. When COVID-19 hit, she moved in with Joan and Billy.

"Over time, mama began referring to our house as home," Billy wrote. "When she was still able to live somewhat independently, we'd take her back to her house for a few days every couple of months. It had been her home for 50-plus years and she was reluctant to say goodbye to it. Toward the end she realized she was not able to stay by herself so did not return to the home much anymore. Even though her granddaughter, Katy, was living in the home, she worked every day so mama was alone most of the time."

Mable Irene Pittman Wallace died at 98 on July 12, 2022, in Gloucester, Virginia.

— Information from obituaries, Billy Wallace and previous interviews by Renn Stancil Hinton, daughter of George Ralph Stancil