Margaret Jean Wallace

Margaret Jean Wallace, 90, of Monmouth, IL, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Seminary Manor, Galesburg, IL.

She was born July 26, 1935, in Monmouth, IL, the daughter of Charles Raymond and Mildred Fern (Bullwinkle) Gillette. She was raised and educated in Monmouth, attending Monmouth High School. She later attended Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, IL.

Jean married Thomas Wayne Wallace on March 14, 1952, at the 9th Avenue Church in Monmouth. He preceded her in death on June 7, 2012.

Jean worked as a telephone operator for the General Telephone Company from 1953 to 1955 and as a case worker for DCFS from 1977 to 1981. She worked with the schools a lot while her children attended and was an active member of the PTA. She attended several area churches and was currently an active member of Heritage Bible Church in Monmouth.

Surviving Jean are her children; Tom (Sandy) Wallace of Galesburg, IL, Pam Clark of Peoria, IL, Lori (Donnie) Herriford of Magnolia, TX; foster children, Rita Meyer of Ozark, MO, Ed Brainard of Seattle, WA; sisters-in-law, Sharon Wallace of Mt. Morris, IL, Ann Gillette of Walnut Creek, CA; 13 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great grandchildren. Several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Jack (Rosemary) Gillette and Jim Gillette; sister, Marjorie (Don) Patterson; brothers-in-law, Bob Wallace, Roy (Pauline) Baynes; nephews, Roger Gillette, Randy Baynes; niece, Susan Kumer; and grandparents, Charles and Jessie Gillette and E.R. and Maggie Bullwinkle.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm, Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Heritage Bible Church, Monmouth. Interment will be at Warren County Memorial Park. Visitation will be Friday afternoon from 1:00-2:00 pm at the church. Memorials may be given to the Heritage Bible Church and sent to the funeral home. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory of Monmouth, IL, is in charge of the arrangements.