Ada Pauline Waters Wallace, commonly known as "Paula" and affectionately known as "Ba" was born on August 3, 1944, in Miami, Florida, to the late Lee Sr. and Valuda Waters. She was a cherished daughter who brought joy and light to her family from the very beginning.  She was a miracle baby, because the doctor told her mother she wouldn't be able to have any more children but God had other plans.  Because of this, Paula's  faith was very important throughout her life.

Ada was a woman of many talents and deep devotion. She excelled academically, graduating as Salutatorian of the Class of 1962 at Maze Senior High School. She briefly attended Shaw University before choosing to marry her high school sweetheart, Rufus A. Wallace, Jr. Through this union, two beautiful children were born: Marcia Annette and Herbert Leroy Wallace.

Throughout her career, Ada worked faithfully for the Miami-Dade School system, RR Moton Elementary in Perrine, FL, and  Ada Merrit Junior High in Little Havana.  Later, she worked at Miami-Dade School Board in the Office of Labor Relations until her retirement in 1996.  During her tenure, she touched countless lives through her commitment and dedication. Following her retirement, she continued her professional journey with Florida School Services, where she remained active until her passing.

Ada's faith was a cornerstone of her life from an early age. She grew up and was baptized at New Bethel AME Church in Goulds, Florida.  She was a devoted member of Choir No. 2. Those who knew her often lovingly teased her for knowing every hymn in the hymn book as a testament to her deep love for worship and spiritual music. In 1983, Ada and her children transferred their membership to Mt. Hermon AME Church in Opa-Locka, under the leadership of the late Rev. C.E. Jenkins.  She was a faithful and devoted member.  Her dedication to her faith community was evident through her service on Usher Board No. 3, President of the C.E. Jenkins Specials for seven (7) years, Young Adult Choir Advisor, Steward, Finance Team, and various committees. Her commitment to her church and faith was recognized when she was honored with the Woman of Faith Award during a Chicago appearance, as a testament to her spiritual devotion and service to others.

Ada was an avid reader and found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved watching classic television shows, particularly Gunsmoke, I Love Lucy, and Perry Mason, which brought her endless hours of entertainment and comfort. She loved to shop, which was evident in her classy style. Her gentle spirit and beautiful soul touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

As a mother, Ada was proud and devoted to her children.  She raised them children with love, wisdom, and unwavering support. Her legacy extends far beyond her immediate family through the many lives she embraced as her own, including the LaFleur, Williams, Washington, Smith, Walker (Butler & Williams) Emerson, Walters (Harden) families.  Paula was a nurturer, serving as a godmother, mentor, and mother figure to numerous children and adults who found in her as a source of love and guidance and who would refer to her as "Aunt" or "Ma".

Ada's life was a testament to love, dedication, and her warmth, kindness, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of love will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched.