Obituary of Rev Stephen L Wallace

Tribute Reverend Stephen Linwood Wallace was born on April 17, 1965 at Our Lady of Lourdes in Camden, New Jersey to the late Arnold D. Wallace, Sr. and the late Theresa Brooks Wallace. His primary education was completed at School No. 5 for elementary school and Pennsauken Junior High School both located in Pennsauken, New Jersey. Shortly thereafter, his family moved to Maryland where he graduated from Springbrook High School in Silver Spring, June of 1983. He continued his education at Howard University in Washington D.C. It was at Howard where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Electrical Engineering, while interning as an engineer and producer for the student lead television program “Spotlight” (WHMM-TV). During his work on Spotlight a close friendship with three other members of the team was forged. Phil, Orin, Johnny and Stephen (The Horsemen) were almost inseparable! In addition to the “Spotlight” internship, Stephen interned as a Biomedical Technician in the Neural Control Lab at the National Institutes of Health (NINCDS) in Bethesda, Maryland and at General Motors (Advanced Product Engineering) in Saginaw, Michigan. Stephen embarked on his 30-year career in broadcasting and broadcasting technology by landing his first job with Sony Electronics as a Market Development Specialist and Engineer. While at Sony, he was a member of the US Team that traveled to Japan to develop and roll out Sony’s DV-CAM format in order to challenge Panasonics head start on Digital 8mm video-tape format. He would later go on to work for other technology companies such as: Tandberg Television (formerly NDS America); EMC – Media Solution Group; iBiquity Digital; and Harris Corporation (Broadcast Communication Division). In 1987, Stephen met Alisa Adhiambo Ogonji through a mutual friend. They attend Alisa’s Senior Prom and that summer enjoyed many fun-filled picnics, trips to the various DC museums, and outings to the theater. Before Alisa went off to study Biology at Rutgers University, Stephen proposed with an opal promise ring. Alisa said yes, with one condition, they would not marry until she had graduated from college. Stephen patiently waited as he methodically planned and saved during their long-distance relationship. Stephen surprised Alisa at Christmas by purchasing a townhome for their upcoming wedding. The two married at People’s Community Baptist Church in Silver Spring, Maryland on Saturday, August 8, 1992. Stephen and Alisa went on to raise 2 loving and amazing children, Delaney Marquise Wallace (29) and Sierra Atieno Wallace (25). Stephen grew up in a large traditional family where his parents taught the importance of a strong spiritual foundation. He attended Church Services regularly with his parents and siblings at Asbury United Methodist Church, then located in Merchantville, New Jersey. This was where he finally gave up his pacifier at age 4 when his Sunday School Teacher told him there would be no pacifiers in her classroom. Stephen had a strong desire to hear the teaching of the word, and did not want to miss out, so he threw his pacifier away. His up-bringing in the church would spark his quest to want to know and understand God. In 1993 he preached his initial sermon dedicated to his mother as a birthday present. Stephen diligently continued to serve on several boards and choirs at Saint Paul A.M.E. Church in Washington, D.C. He trained and studied for the ministry and was licensed to preach in 1994 and ordained in 1997. Reverend Dr. Rodger Hall Reed, Sr. commented that Reverend Wallace’s engineering and analytical background gave him an intense need to understand the technical and practical application of preaching, studying and living out the Word of God. Reverend Wallace has studied at Wesley Theological Seminary and was working on completing his Master of Divinity and Master of Biblical Counseling at Biblical Seminary in Glenside, Pennsylvania. Reverend Wallace served on the Family Advisory Committee of Horizon House in Philadelphia, was certified in Mental Health First Aid and a Chaplin for Philadelphia Lodge #5 of the Fraternal Order of Police. In 2005, Reverend Wallace was appointed as the pastor of Sayers Memorial United Methodist Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In his quest to expand his knowledge, Reverend Wallace studied under the teaching of Reverend Dr. Aldric A. Baker, who ordained Reverend Wallace into the Baptist Church in 2013. In September of 2013, Reverend Wallace, after much prayer, founded Goshen Community Baptist Church, and elicited the talents of one of his nephews, Cory Wallace to design the logo for Goshen. Despite being dyslexic, Stephen loved to read. Whenever you saw him, wherever he went, he had a book and a yellow highlighter in his hand. Not a week went by without him coming home with some new or used book. There was often a package being dropped off at the door that he couldn’t wait to open. Once unwrapped, he would flip through the pages and say something like, “You can smell the knowledge.” While flashing a pleased grin, he walked away with his treasure. In addition to reading, Stephen enjoyed watching movies, documentaries, and thought-provoking TV series. His favorite TV series was the “Twilight Zone.” Most of all he enjoyed watching TV shows with his children. From Dora the Explorer to Avatar the Last Airbender, he enjoyed spending time with his children. Stephen was a devoted father and husband, and loved to spend time with his family. During trips to the zoo, harvest festivals, area museums, and White House Easter Egg Rolls, Stephen was always there ready to provide a watchful eye. He was committed to sharing his support and love by being present at every recital, science fair presentation, play, track meet, softball game, lacrosse match, football game and powerlifting meet, no matter the time or the location. Stephen was a walking encyclopedia of some of the most obscure bits of information which from time to time he would randomly share. On any given day he could give Google a run for its money. He was always available to answer your questions, you just needed to be prepared for the witty yet thought provoking reply. Stephen loved to watch sports. His favorite football team, beside whichever team his son Delaney was playing on, was the Dallas Cowboys. Stephen enjoyed playing baseball in high school and played on Sony’s company softball team. His favorite baseball player was Roberto Clemente of the Pittsburg Pirates and his favorite hockey team was the Chicago Blackhawks. Over the years, Stephen touched many lives with his ministry and listening ear. No matter the time of day or the places he would have to travel, when people called, he went. Upon retiring from the broadcasting industry, Stephen worked at the Aloft in Mount Laurel, New Jersey a part of the Delco Development LLC, as a Front-End Manager. In that capacity, he had many opportunities to provide a listening ear and tidbits of wisdom to their guests. Stephen was a loving and devoted husband, supportive and caring father and a faithful friend. Stephen pasted away on September 5, 2024. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Alisa A. Wallace; son, Delaney M. Wallace; daughter, Sierra A. Wallace; brothers, Arnold D. Wallace, Jr., and Michael D. Wallace; sisters, Deborah L. Russell, Terry L. Wallace, and Stephanie T. Wallace; sister-in-law, Azella A. Dunams (Bruce); nephews, Arnold D. Wallace, III (Krystle), Cory L. Wallace (Jessica), James M. Russell, Jr., Evan A. Dunams, Nathaniel O. Dunams and Miles A. Wallace; nieces, Stacey L. Wallace (Yuriy), Cortney L. Wallace, Kerra S.Russell, Zoe R. Wallace; godson, Andrew Donelson and a host of extended family and friends.