Jeanette Wallace Hyde, a prominent activist and fundraiser in North Carolina as well as in national Democratic circles, passed away at the age of 86. Her death occurred at her home in Raleigh on Monday after a period of deteriorating health, as confirmed by her family member, Tom Hendrickson, on Wednesday.
Hyde, alongside her late husband, Wallace, played a significant role in the political scene, hosting numerous state and national Democratic candidates in their home. Well-known figures such as Bill and Hillary Clinton, Al Gore, and key state politicians like Terry Sanford, Jim Hunt, Mike Easley, Beverly Perdue, and Roy Cooper frequented the Hyde residence for fundraising events. Hendrickson emphasized the couple’s influence within the party.
In addition to her fundraising efforts, Hyde was engaged in strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s roles in politics. She was a strong advocate for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment and took on the role of co-chair for the Clinton-Gore campaign in North Carolina during the 1992 election.
Her political influence reached international levels when she was appointed as the U.S. ambassador to several Caribbean nations, including Barbados, Dominica, St. Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and St. Kitts and Nevis, by President Bill Clinton in 1994. Hyde and her husband resided in Barbados for four years until her ambassadors’ tenure concluded in 1998.
State Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton commended Hyde’s significant impact on the party, stating that her unwavering leadership and determination have positively shaped the state’s Democratic efforts.
Born in Yadkin County in the mountains of North Carolina, Hyde had a diverse professional background. She taught on the Greek island of Crete and worked as a social worker and counselor within the North Carolina state court system. Additionally, she ran several clothing stores in Fayetteville and co-founded Triangle Bank and North State Bank.
Hyde served on multiple boards, including the state Board of Transportation, and her contributions earned her numerous accolades. Her educational pursuits and philanthropic endeavors were closely connected to Wake Forest University, which she attended.
In 1985, Jeanette married Wallace Hyde, who had a career in insurance and education, before his passing in 2013. Jeanette Hyde is survived by four nieces, a nephew, and a stepson. A memorial service is scheduled for next Tuesday at White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh.
The report has been updated to clarify that Hyde passed away at the age of 86, rather than 89.
