Jo Ella Wallace, age 75, of Owenton passed away Saturday, April 25, 2021, at the Frankfort Regional Medical Center.
Born March 4, 1946, in Somerset, she was the daughter of the late George Norman and Ella Flynn Wallace. She was also preceded in death by her brothers and sister-in-law, Charles and Betty Wallace and Rasie Wallace, as well as her niece, Christy Wallace.
She is survived by her nephews and niece, Tim Wallace, Ricky Wallace, and Kim (Jeff) Prather all of Somerset, and a host of dear friends and education family.
Jo came to Owen County in 1970 seeking employment with Owen County Schools; she was hired as a Health/PE teacher at OCHS and was instrumental in starting a girls' basketball program at the school. Ms. Wallace not only coached basketball, but she also coached golf and cheerleading and was Athletic Director at different times in her early career. She quickly set firm roots in Owen County and made the community her home and the people her family. Upon obtaining her Master's Degree and principal certification, Jo was hired as OCHS assistant principal, and when the newly formed Maurice Bowling Middle School opened in December, 1985, Jo Ella Wallace took the helm as principal there, a position she held until her retirement in the summer of 2013.
Ms. Wallace called her students her "kids" and her faculty and staff were her "family". She literally devoted her life's work to the children of Owen County, and she went above and beyond the typical duties of a school principal. She gave children lunch money, drove to homes of absent students to check on them, and showed up to students' extra-curricular activities to cheer them on. She made her kids feel important and special to her. Ms. Wallace always treated her faculty and staff at MBMS like family by celebrating their successes and grieving with them in their losses. She was always willing to assist her work family in any way she could.
Ms. Jo Ella Wallace gave the best years of her life to the education of Owen County citizens. Over 7,000 students directly impacted, 43 years of leadership served, 3 generations of OC families touched-- by 1 devoted individual. Respect for her character and service to Owen County reached far beyond members of this community. She earned a solid reputation and high degree of respect throughout much of Kentucky as a dedicated educator who truly loved children. Her contributions to the education of Owen County children will live on as Ms. Wallace's legacy in this community for many years to come.
McDonald & New Funeral Homes are in charge of arrangements. A pass-thru visitation will be held at Bowlin Middle School in the gym, on Friday, April 30, 2021, from 4 - 7 pm. A celebration of Miss Wallace's life will follow at 7 pm with Bro. David "Milkweed" Wotier presiding. Burial will be held at 11 am Saturday in the Burnside City Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to Jo Wallace Scholarship Fund at Citizens Union Bank.
(Full obit to follow)
