Sean Wallace was a devoted husband of 30 years to a Baton Rouge resident, Venio Wallace.
Southern Jaguars coach Sean Wallace died on February 2025, at 52, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Highlights
- Sean Wallace passed away on February 2025, at 52, after a long battle with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.
- Wallace announced his diagnosis in 2023 and said his cancer cell count was down and that he was almost entirely cancer-free.
- He was married to Venio Johnson Wallace, with whom he had three children: Tonyatta, Sadijah, and Abraham Wallace.
His sister Antoinette Wallace took to her official Facebook handle to announce the tragic news. She wrote,
It is with sadness in my heart, my family, and my friends to let you know that my brother Mr. Sean Wallace has passed. I will let everybody know when they arrangements will be made. Thank you in advance for all the comfort and thoughts and prayers.
Antoinette Wallace
Southern University Marching Band poured their heartfelt condolence through their official Facebook handle by stating,
Human Jukebox Nation, it is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of our dear friend and unwavering supporter, Coach Sean Wallace. After a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, Coach Wallace has passed, but his legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him. Coach Wallace was not only a mentor and a leader but also a true friend to the Southern University Human Jukebox. His support for us and his love for this university were undeniable. His infectious spirit, dedication, and passion left a mark that will never be erased.
Southern University Marching Band
Wallace went public about his fight with stage four pancreatic cancer in 2023. After the diagnosis, his family said,
“On Monday, October 9, 2023, we received the heartbreaking news that the blood work and imaging had revealed that the mass is indeed a cancerous tumor. The doctors found that the cancer had spread to his liver and is considered Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer. The findings suggest that the tumor is in a difficult location, making it inoperable,”
Sean’s family
As per his family, Sean made a trip to the emergency room after experiencing stomach pains and other issues. During that visit, doctors discovered a mass on his pancreas.
He had to undergo several surgeries that proved to be unsuccessful. During his battle with cancer, he was still coaching and leading the team.
Wallace led the Jaguars to the #1 defense in the country, guiding them to the 1993 SWAC Championship and the Black College National Championship.
Sean was highly decorated as a player, earning two-time All-SWAC honors, SWAC Defensive Player of the Year, Bayou Classic MVP, two-time Sheridan Black College All-American, Walter Camp All-American, and Kodak All-American honors.
He was elected to the Southern University Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
Wallace was the Jaguars’ acting head coach in the 2023 Bayou Classic after the program parted ways with former head coach Eric Dolley.
Venio Johnson Wallace Mourns The Loss Of Her Husband, Sean Wallace, After 30 Years Of Marriage
Southern Jaguars coach Sean Wallace married Venio Johnson Wallace, a Baton Rouge, Louisiana resident, on June 11, 1994.
Sadly, their married life ended after 30 years following the tragic death of Sean Wallace.
Sean’s wife Venio was born to her father, Charles Johnson, and her mother, whose identity has not been revealed.
Her father graduated from Scotlandville High School, class of 1961, and earned two master’s degrees from Southern University.
In addition, he was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War and earned two medals for expeditionary service.
Sadly, Charles passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2009, at 66.
The Rev. Elder Marshall Hall conducted a visitation on September 8, 2009, at Beech Grove Baptist Church, 9455 Elm Grove Garden Road, from 10 a.m. to religious services at noon.
Venio shared a close bond with her grandparents, Clarence Sr. and Mamie Johnson. She also had two brothers: Kozimuh Johnson and Kenio Johnson.
Venio And Sean Wallace Were Blessed With Three Children
Sean Wallace and Venio had three children: Tonyatta, Sadijah, and Abraham Wallace.
Abraham’s Facebook handle showcases that he has worked at Texas Tech football, West Alabama football, and Buffalo Bills since December 25, 2024.
On the other hand, Sean’s daughter Sadijah went to Baton Rouge Magnet High School and later studied Public relations at Howard University from 2012 to 2016.
Sean’s second daughter, Tonyatta, has avoided social media, so little is known about her personal life.
They are mourning the loss of their devoted and supportive father, Sean Wallace.
Additional Information
- Sean Wallace graduated from O. Perry Walker Senior High School and continued his education at Southern University A&M College.
- He spent over a decade at the Dunham School and Mentorship Academy before becoming Souther’s safeties coach.
- Wallace’s journey through the Southern was unique. He returned 25 years later to finish his degree after his children had all graduated from college.
