With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Lorene Victoria Beck Wallace, who was known to many as “Mawmaw.” Lorene, 87, of Statesville, N.C., passed peacefully in her home on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, with her family by her side.
Lorene was born January 3, 1938, in Iredell County to the late David Luther and Nancy Steel Beck. She was a devoted member of South River Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her brothers, David Beck and Tom Beck; and sisters, Lois Call and Shirley Ketchie.
Survivors include her two children, Sandra Wilhelm of Statesville and Rodney (Stephanie) Wallace of Wisconsin; six grandchildren Michael (Stephanie) Wilhelm, Dustin (Madelyn) Wallace, Celena Wilhelm, Kayla Wallace, Brayden Wallace, and Araya Wallace; seven great grandchildren, Emmett Wilhelm, Julie Wilhelm, Henley Wilhelm, Elena Weston, Gabriella Weston, Silas Ponder, and Marceline Wallace; and brother Dorman Beck.
Services will be in the care of Troutman Funeral Home and will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 16, 2025, at South River Baptist Church with Dr. Chris Thompson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive guests prior to the service from 1 until 2 p.m. at South River Baptist Church.
Memorials can be made to the Ronald McDonald House in lieu of flowers at https://rmhclt.org/donate/#:~:text=Families%20who%20stay%20at%20the,away%20if%20they%20cannot%20contribute
Lorene was the cornerstone of her family, a woman whose strength, wisdom, and boundless love shaped each and every one of us. She was a beacon of light in our lives, a guiding star that always led us back home.
She taught us the importance of family, the value of hard work, and the power of kindness. Her stories, often shared with a twinkle in her eye, were lessons in disguise, teaching us about resilience, faith in God, compassion, and the importance of staying true to ourselves. She had a way of making everyone feel special, of seeing the best in others, even when they couldn’t see it themselves. Her wisdom was a comforting presence, a gentle hand guiding us through the challenges of life.
Her love knew no bounds. She loved fiercely and unconditionally. She celebrated the successes of those she loved no matter how small, and she comforted us through our failures; reminding us that every stumble was a lesson learned. She was the biggest cheerleader, the friend and confidante of many. Her love was a constant, a steady flame that warmed our hearts and brightened our lives.
While her physical presence may be gone, her spirit will live on in each and every one of us — in the lessons she taught us, in the memories we shared, and in the love she gave so freely. Her legacy will continue to inspire us, to guide us, and to remind us of the importance of living a life filled with God’s presence, love, kindness, and compassion.
Today, as we say our final goodbyes, let us not dwell on the sadness of her passing, but rather celebrate the joy of her life. Let us remember the laughter, the love, and the countless ways she touched our hearts. Though she may be gone, she will never be forgotten. Her memory will forever be etched in our hearts, a reminder of the extraordinary woman who made our lives so much richer.
Rest in peace, Mawmaw Lorene. We love you, and we will miss you dearly.
Troutman Funeral Home is serving the Wallace family.