I never knew much about Governor Lurleen, but from what I read first and foremost she was a devoted mother and wife. She may not have been born to be governor, but it was in her nature to help anyone who needed it and what better platform than the first lady than that of an unforgettably successful leader of the people of Alabama. There are few people who find their true calling in life; Governor Wallace found her to be a mother, supportive wife, and leader. This led to her winning the "Most Admired Woman" award in the 1960 Gallup poll. Lurleen B. Wallace was born the daughter of Mr. Henry M. Burns and Mrs. Henry M. Burns in an area outside of Tuscaloosa, Alabama , on September 19, 1926. Like most girls born in the South, she was raised on Southern morals and devout religious values. Lurleen was a very intelligent person who graduated from high school at the age of fifteen. Lurleen aspired to become a nurse, but was too young to enter nursing school, so she instead graduated from Tuscaloosa Business College. Lurleen did not grow up in a wealthy family, but she was taught strong family values ​​and a strong belief in God. After completing high school she went to work part-time selling costume jewelry at the SH Kress Five and Dime store in Tuscaloosa, Alabama . This is where George and Lurleen met and their courtship began. From the moment they met she knew that politics was in their future and she was ready to take on the responsibility. George and Lurleen were married in May. Lurleen supported her husband in every endeavor, from traveling to multiple bases during George's military career to accompanying him on the campaign trail. They had four children, Bobbi Jo, Peggy Sue, George Jr. and Janie Lee, all while moving from base to base during George's enlistment. The base... center of paper... Governor Lurleen had the greatest impact on the education system. She started junior colleges in Alabama starting in 1967 and one of those was named after her, Lurleen B. Wallace Community College. LBWCC now has campuses in Andalusia, Opp, Greenville and Luverne with the 2003 merger of LBWCC and MacArthur Stat Technical College. Governor Lurleen was taken too soon. He died of cancer on May 7, 1968, a day that will forever be remembered by every person old enough to know his legacy. The programs and policies instituted by the “Ma and Pa” administration have forever changed the lives of Alabamians. His legacy will live on through the individual lives of every person he touched through his endless generosity and kindness. I didn't know much about Governor Wallace, but I have since developed a great respect for her.