A longtime resident of and cheerleader for Georgiana and the heart and soul of the Hank Williams Fan Club will be remembered and celebrated this April.

Mary J. Wallace, who died in a tragic accident at her home last December, will be honored by the Hank Williams Fan Club in a memorial tribute set for April 10 at the historic Ga-Ana Theater in downtown Georgiana.

“This happened so suddenly and so many people who knew Mary and loved her did not get to attend her funeral,” said Hank Williams Fan Club director Sherri Brackin, who worked closely with Williams in organizing the annual Hank Williams Festival and other fan club events.

“From the outset, we knew we wanted to do something special to remember what a great person she was and what a wonderful life she lived,” Brackin said.

That wish blossomed into the April 10 event, which is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. and go until.

George Hamilton IV, one of Wallace’s favorite musicians, will travel from his Tennessee home to be a part of the tribute. Hamilton had performed during annual Hank Fests, doing the first live recording of his special tribute to Hank as “Luke the Drifter” for radio one year.

He also performed in the area in conjunction with the Irish band Live Issue, entertaining members of the Georgiana Nutrition Center, where Williams served as the site manager.

“George made it very clear he wanted to come and be a part of something like this. Like the rest of us, he loved Mary,” Brackin said.

Also slated to perform are the McKenzie-based gospel group The Burning Bushes; local talents Back Creek; Slim Pickin’s Traditional Country Band, and Jeff Whitlow and the Old Barn Band, with guest Colon Leatherwood.

Special appearances by Braxton Schuffert, a former Drifting Cowboy, and Robert McLaughlin of Hank Williams Tours are also planned.

“Mary had so much enthusiasm for life,” recalled Brackin. “She loved Hank and the opportunity to share his life and music with others. She loved God, her family and all the many, many friends she made over the years. And she loved Georgiana, that’s for sure. We hope many people will mark their calendars and come join us for this special day.”