Lewisburg-Beloved mother, “Sisty,” “Ganna,” teacher and friend, Laura Jane Stuart Walls, 82, died Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, following an extended illness.
Her mother and father, Virginia Dare Monroe Stuart and James Bradford Stuart, preceded her in death.
As a direct descendant of Col. John Stuart, founder of Old Stone Presbyterian Church, Lewisburg, Laura Jane was an active Youth Leader and lifetime member.
Ms. Walls is survived by her brother, Brad Stuart and sister-in-law, Jackie McClung Stuart.
LJ was mother to Stuart “Skip” Walls (Penny) of Surfside Beach, SC; Virginia “Ginny” Walls Hinkle (Amber) of Lewisburg; and Laura Roberta “Robbi” Walls of Lewisburg.
She was a proud Ganna to grandchildren, Kelly Bradford Walls (Megan) of Denver, CO; and Jodie Monroe Walls Shifflett (Clark) of Trenton, NJ. LJ had one great grandson, Richard Clark “Trey” Shifflett, III. She was a proud Sisty to her two nieces, Elizabeth Stuart McCray and Ashley Stuart Thornbrew as well as several cousins.
A graduate of Concord College, Laura Jane began teaching in 1968. After a short teaching stint in Annapolis, MD, she returned to finish her career in WV. Known by hundreds of students as Ms. Walls, Laura Jane had a long and active career teaching English, Language Arts and Theatre Arts. Most of Ms. Walls’ 26-year career was spent directing youth productions as well as teaching at Greenbrier Junior High in Ronceverte.
Aside from teaching, LJ was very active in Greenbrier Valley Theatre when the Barn was still located at the airport. She served on the Board of Directors and as the Box Office Manager for several seasons and occasionally was found performing on stage. Her most notable and beloved role was as Opal in Everyone Loves Opal. LJ shared her love of theatre with many thespians in the area, young and old alike.
Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 25, at Wallace &Wallace Funeral Home, Lewisburg. Memorial service will be at 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 26, at Edgewood Presbyterian Church, 162 Harper Road, Lewisburg, with Pastor Kristi Shae Moore officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations of time and/or funds be given to Edgewood Presbyterian Church’s “Saturday of Service,” a community outreach program feeding hundreds of people throughout Greenbrier County. A gift to Greenbrier Valley Theatre’s Youth Programs may also be given in remembrance of Ms. Walls.
Online condolences may be sent to WallaceandWallaceFH@gmail.com