It is with profound sadness that family, friends, and the Saint Petersburg community share the passing of Virginia Evelyn Wallace-Cooper, who went to be with the Lord on September 8, 2025, at just 31 years old. A woman of deep faith, boundless compassion, and radiant spirit, Virginia’s life was a testimony to the power of love and service.
Born on November 6, 1993, in South Haven, Michigan, Virginia was the cherished daughter of Cheri (Wheetley) Wallace and Mark Wallace Sr. She spent her early years in Southwest Michigan before her family moved to Florida, where she attended both Pinellas Park and Seminole High Schools. Even in her youth, she carried a vibrant energy and a love for people that would continue to define her throughout her life.
Virginia was determined to create a meaningful future for herself and her children. At the time of her passing, she was a dedicated student at St. Petersburg College, pursuing Paralegal studies with dreams of one day attending law school. Her vision extended beyond her own goals; she aspired to establish a mission to serve those less fortunate, driven by a calling to uplift and protect the vulnerable.
Her life was anchored in her Christian faith. Virginia had recently been baptized, a powerful milestone that reflected her full surrender to Christ. She lived each day as a servant of God’s word, never hesitating to share the Gospel with family, friends, or even strangers. Her devotion was not only spoken but demonstrated in her actions, from feeding the hungry to clothing those in need. For Virginia, ministry was not a role but a way of life, and those who encountered her could not help but feel the love of Christ shining through her.
Above all else, Virginia’s greatest joy came from being a mother. Her world revolved around her three children—Kingston, Legend, and Solara—who were the light of her life and her proudest achievement. She poured every ounce of herself into raising them, determined to give them a childhood full of love, laughter, and faith. Those who knew Virginia say her spirit glowed brightest when she was with her children, and she leaves behind a legacy of maternal devotion that will guide them throughout their lives.
Virginia’s love extended to her wider family as well. She shared a deep and lasting bond with her parents, siblings, grandparents, and extended relatives. Her siblings often recall her ability to bring laughter and warmth into any room, while her friends speak of her unwavering loyalty and ability to brighten even the darkest of days. To know Virginia was to know joy, kindness, and a faith-filled heart that touched countless lives.
She was united in marriage to Chelsea Cooper on November 3, 2019, a union built on love and shared devotion to family. Together, they navigated life’s challenges with strength and resilience, always grounded in their commitment to one another and their children.
Virginia’s passing leaves a void that words cannot fully capture, yet her memory will forever be celebrated. She was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Bruens, her sister, Jessica Wallace, and her grandfathers, Fred Wheetley and Robert Wallace. She is survived by her three beloved children, her parents, her siblings, her grandmothers, and a wide circle of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who will carry her legacy forward.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Family and friends will gather to honor her memory, share stories, and reflect on the remarkable life she lived. Those wishing to attend are encouraged to contact the family directly for details. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Virginia’s honor to support her children’s future or to organizations that reflect her compassionate spirit, such as Pinellas Hope or Kimberly House.
Virginia Evelyn Wallace-Cooper will be remembered as a woman of radiant beauty, unshakable faith, and limitless love. Her mission in life was simple yet profound: to serve God and to love others with all her heart. Though her earthly journey ended too soon, her legacy of service, faith, and devotion will live on through her children, her family, and the many lives she touched. Those who had the privilege of knowing her will carry her memory as a guiding light, ensuring that her love continues to inspire for generations to come.