Emma Marie Wallace

Scripture: I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course. I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy: 4:7

Emma Marie Wallace was born on Feb ruary 28, 1950 in Fredericksburg, VA to the late Freddie and Fannie Brooks. Affectionately known as “Marie” by family and friends or “Aunt Rie Rie” as she was called by her nieces and nephews, transitioned on Monday, November 25, 2024 at Georgetown Medstar Hospital in Washington, D.C. She was surrounded by her family as she went home to be with her heavenly father. Marie attended Bowling Green Public Schools graduating from Union High School in 1968. She continued her education at Smith Madden Business College, in Richmond, Virginia graduating in 1970. Marie was married at a young age to Jessie Wallace and later divorced. She began work at Quantico Marine Base and then transitioned to a role with United States Department of Veterans Affairs, in Washington, D.C. She later retired from the VA in April 2016. Marie accepted Jesus Christ at an early age at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Supply, Virginia and lived in her faith.

Marie was a Class Act and the matriarch of her family. She liked to cook and her specialty was fried chicken. She also never missed a chance to get down on a few dozen crabs. For every family dinner, holiday, birthday party or cookout she was the organizer. She assigned the roles to the family and everyone did as they were told! Marie made every family get together a wonderful time, full of fun and laughter. The relationship she shared with her siblings was simply beautiful and they all loved and admired their big Sis. She loved her nieces and nephews so much and they were always so grateful to receive that “special envelope” or cash app from their Aunt Rie Rie. She loved to spoil her family and never missed a celebration or milestone. Marie also had several godchildren that she doted on and was quite proud of. Aunt Rie Rie was respected by all and everyone knows she did not play! Marie also enjoyed spending time with all of her cousins from D.C. to VA and they looked forward to her coming down on weekends and having a good ole time together. The past few months were truly special when the cousins gathered at Aunt Mary’s house on Sundays.

For the last 35 years, Marie shared her life with her long-time love Marvin Verter, her “Sweetie” as he was known to all. They shared an authentic love built on trust and just enjoying life’s journey together. Marvin said he told her early on that she could not change him. Fast forward years into their relationship, he said she changed him into a better man without him even realizing it. She was his everything and best friend. They shared a good life that also included traveling, spending time with family and friends, and having fun with just each other. Marie’s love and passion for family extended to Marvin’s children and grandchildren who also referred to her as Rie Rie. She loved all of them as if they were her own. Marie was always the life of the party and next to her family, she enjoyed spending time with her friends. She not only gave a lot of love but she received a lot of love in return. To know her was to love her. She gave all of herself selflessly as her family and friends meant everything to her. All of us will cherish the beautiful memories shared with her forever.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Freddie and Fannie Brooks, two sisters, Mary Ollie Taylor and Fannie Woolfolk. Two brothers, Walter Garnett and Joseph Brooks, nieces, Patricia Ann Smith, Jackie Friday, nephews Andre Brooks, Randolph Taylor Jr., Alvin Taylor and great nephew, C.J. Carrington.

Marie leaves her deep love and unforgettable memories to her beloved Marvin Verter, Brothers, Freddie Brooks, Jr., Lee Brooks, and Charles Wayne Brooks; Sister, Gladys Brooks Johnson; sisters-in-law, Jackie Brooks, Regina Mallory, Leslie Brooks and Elaine Brooks; brothers-in-law, David Woolfolk, Stanley Johnson and Jerry Brown. Aunts, Mary Garnett and Ester Holmes. Marie leaves a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren and cousins whom she loved each dearly and they all have a special place in her heart. She had an impact on everyone she came in contact with and will always be remembered for lighting up any room with her smile. Her presence, energy, spirit, kindness, and zest for life will be truly missed.

Rest in peace my dear love, sister, aunt, cousin and friend.