Early Years (1896–1924)

Her father, Teackle Wallis Warfield, died of tuberculosis shortly after her birth, leaving her and her mother, Alice, dependent on the charity of wealthy relatives. Despite financial limitations, Wallis was raised in the refined world of Baltimore’s high society, where she cultivated the poise and charm that would later define her.

Educated at the prestigious Oldfields School in Maryland, she quickly developed a reputation for wit and sophistication. She excelled in social settings and was determined to rise above the limitations imposed by her modest background. From a young age, she demonstrated an independent streak and an ambition that set her apart from her contemporaries.

In 1916, she married her first husband, Earl Winfield Spencer Jr., a U.S. Navy aviator. Their marriage was tumultuous, marred by Spencer’s drinking and long absences due to his military career.

During this period, Wallis traveled extensively, experiencing a world far removed from her Baltimore upbringing. Despite her efforts to make the marriage work, the couple separated multiple times before ultimately divorcing in 1927.

Wallis’ early years laid the foundation for the persona she would later cultivate: a woman of refinement, resilience, and adaptability. Her ability to navigate elite social circles, despite lacking traditional aristocratic pedigree, would prove invaluable in her later years.