Merlene Jewell Wallace passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025, at the age of 88. She was born on June 11, 1937, in Forest Hill, Texas, to George and Glenda (Miller) Wallace.

A graduate of Gober High School, Merlene devoted much of her life to being a homemaker, providing warmth, strength, and care to those around her. She found great joy in the simple pleasures of life, and her quiet dedication to her family left a lasting legacy.

Merlene is survived by her son, Kirk Birdwell and his wife Terri of Anna, Texas; and her beloved grandson, Landon Akins of Lubbock, Texas; siblings, Steven Wallace and wife Donnee of Bonham, Texas, Happy Wallace and wife Joetta of Gober, Texas, and John Wallace and girlfriend Gina of California. She was the next-to-last of four siblings and cherished the bonds she shared with her family throughout the years.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Dana Renee Akins; and her parents, George and Glenda Wallace.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Mullican-Little Funeral Home in Bells, Texas.

Merlene will be remembered for her gentle spirit, steadfast love, and the enduring strength she showed through life’s many seasons. Her memory lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.