Shirley Wallace Cambre

1934 - 2026

Shirley Wallace Cambre, 91, a native and resident of Reserve, Louisiana, departed this life on Monday, January 26, 2026, at her home surrounded by loved ones.

Shirley was born on December 10, 1934, to Albertha and Willie Wallace, Sr.  She was raised in a close-knit family home that consisted of her parents and her 7 siblings.

Shirley graduated from Fifth Ward High School in Reserve and received a bachelor’s degree in education from Southern University in Baton Rouge specializing in Mathematics.  She also received a master’s degree in education from Southern University in Baton Rouge. She dedicated 33 years to teaching in St. John the Baptist Parish School System. Her career started as a teacher at Garyville Elementary and then moved to Second Ward High School which later became West St. John High School. She taught Mathematics, Algebra I, and Algebra II. She retired from the St. John the Baptist Parish School System in January of 1990. She loved her students and her students loved her.

Shirley received a proclamation from the St. John the Baptist Parish President recognizing her outstanding professionalism and her enthusiastic personality.  She enjoyed movies, listening to classic R&B music, cooking, and dining out with family and friends.

Shirley was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Herbert Cambre, Jr. and to this union one daughter was born, Tessa C. Arceneaux.

Shirley was proceeded in death by her husband: Herbert Cambre, Jr., both parents: Albertha and Willie Wallace, Sr., two sisters: Geraldine W. Holland and Gwendolyn Wallace, two brothers: John Wallace and Ferdinand Wallace.

Shirley was a devout Catholic who put faith, family, and friends above all things. She leaves to cherish her memory her only child, Tessa C. Arceneaux, three grandsons: Tyrin, Gamari, and Jordan Arceneaux, one great-grand daughter: Tyla Mai Arceneaux, two sisters: Daphne McClean and Evelyn Wallace, one brother: Willie Wallace, Jr, one sister in law: Lorraine Wallace, one God daughter: Shenaye Montgomery, former son in law: Garrett Arceneaux, a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Relatives and friends of the family, Priest and parishioners of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church and all neighboring churches are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 722 Hwy 44, Reserve, LA 70084.  Visitation begins at 8:15 am and recitation of the Holy Rosary at 9:15 am.  Interment St. Peter Catholic Cemetery, Reserve, LA.  Final arrangements are entrusted to Patrick H. Sanders Funeral Home & Funeral Directors, LLC. 605 Main Street, Laplace, LA 70068. 985-359-1919. “Providing Care & Comfort is Our Highest Mission.”