Funeral service for Mrs. Fannie Flood-Lewis, 83 of Desoto, TX will be held Friday, May 22, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at Marlboro Heights Missionary Baptist Church in Killeen, TX. Viewing will be held two hours prior to the service (9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.) at the church.

Burial will be held Wednesday, May 27, 2026, 9:00 a.m. at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX

Fannie Rose Wallace Flood Lewis was born on February 11, 1943, in Beaumont, Texas, to Emma Briscoe Wallace and Julian Wallace. From the very beginning, her life was marked by strength, purpose, and the hand of God.

One of her favorite stories to tell was about the day she was born. When she came into the world not breathing, her Uncle Willie took her from her mother's arms, carried her to the back porch, and placed her in ice water. That moment helped jumpstart a life that would be filled with courage, determination, joy, faith, and love. From her very first breath, Fannie Rose was a fighter.

To many, she was known by different names. Fannie Rose. Aunt Fannie. Black Gal. Ms. Fannie. Ms. Flood. Mrs. Lewis. Each name reflected a relationship, a story, and a life touched by her presence.

Fannie Rose grew up with a spirit of leadership and a heart for people. She lived through a time when Black women were often told where they could not go and what they could not become. Fannie Rose did not accept those limits. During the Civil Rights era, she became the first Black cashier at Gibson's in Beaumont, Texas. That was only the beginning of a life spent opening doors and breaking barriers.

After moving to Killeen, Texas, she continued to lead with courage and conviction. She became the first Black woman to serve on the Killeen Independent School District School Board. She also became the first Black woman real estate broker in Killeen. In every space she entered, she carried herself with dignity, strength, and purpose. She did not seek recognition for being first. She simply believed she had work to do, and she did it well.

Of all the roles she held, one of her most beloved callings was motherhood. Fannie Rose was the proud mother of Leo P. Flood III and Errika. She was committed to being present in their lives. Presence, for her, was active and visible. It looked like riding 24 hours on a bus to Florida as a band mom for a competition. It looked like working the concession stand at Killeen High School football games to support the fundraising efforts of the Killeen High School Band. It looked like showing up, speaking up, standing close, and making sure her children knew they were loved.

Fannie Rose later embraced the joy of being a grandmother. Her grandsons, Rishard and Joshua, were among the first blessings chosen for her through her son, Leo. Then came her granddaughter, Sydney, who gave her the name "Grammy." Sydney refused to call her grandmother and, in true family fashion, showed the same independent thinking and fierceness Fannie Rose carried throughout her own life. Being Grandma and Grammy brought Fannie deep joy.

Fannie Rose also loved the Lord and loved the church. Her faith journey began at West Tabernacle Church in Beaumont, Texas. It continued at 19th Street Chapel on Fort Hood, Texas, then through Anderson Chapel AME Church under the leadership of Reverend M.C. Cooper. She later found a church home at Marlboro Heights Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Shaun Moton. There, she served, led, sang, worshiped, and found deep Christian fellowship. Her love for God shaped the way she loved people. She served with joy. She gave with intention. She believed in prayer, family, community, and faith that could carry you through.

Fannie Rose also knew the gift of love through her husband, Joe Lewis. Joe preceded her in death, but he loved her faithfully until his passing in 1996. Their love was part of the beautiful story of her life.

Fannie Rose transitioned to her heavenly home on May 13, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Lewis; her son, Leo P. Flood III; her parents, Emma Briscoe Wallace and Julian Wallace; and her brothers, Julian Wallace or Bae as family called him, Jackie Wallace, and Leroy Wallace affectionately known as Red.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter and final caretaker, Errika, who carries forward her leadership, commitment to community, devotion to family, and passion for serving others. She also leaves her grandchildren, Rishard, Joshua, and Sydney; and her beloved nieces and nephews, Rosalind Griffin, Alfred Wallace, Kelvin Wallace, Vanessa Ballard, Adrian Wallace, Laurie Ann Wallace Morgan, Mary Williams, Wesley Wallace, Greg Wallace, Earnest Sharp, Carlton Sharp, Caroline Sharp, and Bryan Sharp.

Fannie Rose impacted many lives. Her family, friends, church members, neighbors, and community will remember her strength, her laughter, her honesty, her leadership, and her love.

As she arrived at the gates of heaven, we believe she was welcomed by her husband Joe, her son Leo, her mother Emma, her father Julian, and her brothers Julian, Jackie, and Leroy. Heaven is now hosting a Wallace family reunion, and we know there is joy at her arrival.

Fannie Rose fought a good fight. She made good trouble. She loved deeply. She served faithfully. She led boldly. Now, she takes her well-deserved rest in the presence of the Lord.

Her life will remain in the hearts of all who loved her, now and forevermore.