Kimberly Ferneau Wallace

Kimberly Ferneau Wallace, of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, died Friday, June 2, 2023. Born in Marshall, Michigan on December 15, 1955, she lived her life and raised her children in both Charleston, South Carolina and Jackson, Mississippi, with deep ties to and relationships in both cities. A graduate of Bishop England High School, Kimberly took prerequisite courses at The College of Charleston and completed her studies at The Medical University of South Carolina.

She fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a nurse and excelled in the Operating Room, notably at Southeastern Spine Institute, East Cooper Medical Center, and St. Dominic Memorial Hospital. Kimberly found joy as an ideal mother, and devoted herself to her three children, who equally adored her. She was a member of St. James’ Episcopal Church in Jackson. She paid it forward, notably chairing multiple committees of The American Cancer Society, The American Diabetes Association, and the Jackson Cancer League. She contributed her time and resources to innumerable charities, notably during man-made and natural disasters, and believed the everyday plight of every single human being deserved attention. Kimberly loved her many friends and co-workers, and her work ethic was seemingly inexhaustible.

She was known for her natural style and legendary hospitality, from cocktail parties to galas for hundreds; the Christmas Eve dinners in her home became a tradition - where strangers became friends. A skilled cook, gardener, and gift-giver, her recipes were always superior to yours, her ferns nearly never died, and time spent with her became a favorite memory.

Kimberly will be remembered for her singularly magic personality, incisive wit, and bright laugh. A great beauty, she was elegant without pretension. A great intellect, she was a voracious reader - and followed world events and politics obsessively. She was an informed citizen and voter who passionately believed in democratic ideals. She was driven only by her matchless self-will, which could not be influenced or overcome. Profoundly resilient, she was leaned upon for her substance of character and strength, and her understanding of human nature was uncanny. She adored her parents and was adored by them. She delighted in the camaraderie of her co-workers and took great pride in being a nurse. A fiercely loyal wife, mother, daughter, and friend, Kimberly will be widely remembered for unequaled empathy and forgiveness, and, perhaps most of all - for countless, selfless commitments made to others, for which she asked nothing in return, over a lifetime not long enough for any of us.

She was true to her own self.

“That best portion of a good man’s life, His little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love.” - William Wordsworth

Kimberly is survived by her husband, Dr. Thomas Hentges, of Mt. Pleasant; her children, Sean Ferneau Wallace, of Park Circle, SC and Michael Ryan Wallace of Brandon, MS; her two stepchildren, Thomas Hentges and Jack Hentges of Charleston, SC; her sister, Rebecca Ferneau Britzius of Bonneau, SC; her niece and nephew, Taylor Britzius Lighty and Patrick Britzius of Bonneau, SC; additional family members and a wonderful group of friends and co-workers. Kimberly is predeceased by her beloved son and parents: Matthew Collins Wallace, of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and Charlotte and Bernard “Bun” Ferneau, of Sullivan’s Island, SC.

Her family will receive friends and co-workers on Friday, June 30, 2023 between 5:00 and 7:00 PM at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway. Burial will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Kimberly’s name to Pet Paws Spay & Neuter Clinic, 107 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek, SC, 29445 (843) 572-2144 .

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, (843) 766-1365 .