Mother Mary Johnson Hall, 92, was born to Joe Johnson and Julia Johnson on Oct. 16, 1928, in Madison, where she remained a lifelong resident. She was preceded in death by her parents; sons, Ralph Hall and (recently) Leroy Hall; daughter, Eyvone Jackson; brothers: Joe Louis Johnson, Bert Johnson and Simon Johnson; sisters, Charlie Barfield and Henrietta Johnson.
Lawnside celebration of life services, with COVID-19 restrictions, will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, in Oakridge No. 1 Cemetery, 394 NW Meeting Avenue, in Madison. A public viewing and visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, in the sanctuary of St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 497 SW Georgetown Road, in Madison.
Mother Hall was known throughout the community as “Honey Hall”. The name “Honey” fit the sweetness of her personality and highlighted her kindness, compassion, understanding and commitment.
As she matured into adulthood, Mother Honey Hall’s life experiences were centered around her passion for God, family, career, fellowship and fun. She loved and honored the Lord, served Him with gladness, and by her Christian example, she instilled this value early in the lives of her children. The family worshipped together at St. James Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday mornings. She enjoyed blending her voice with the other choir members to make joyful sounds. Later in her life and because of her faithfulness and her servant’s heart, she earned the honor as church Mother.
Mother Hall raised her children with the “it takes a village to raise a child” concept. She encouraged the watchful eyes of responsible adults (relatives, neighbors, teachers, etc.) to correct her children’s misbehavior if they needed to do so, for she trusted their judgment. Mother Hall, like other concerned parents, expressed her gratitude to the adults before she addressed the children’s misbehavior one-on-one when she got home. She loved her family dearly and her children were proud to call her Mama.
Having developed her work ethic very early in life, Mother Hall labored tirelessly to provide opportunities for her family. She did seasonal farm work in tobacco and cotton fields, domestic work, before she retired as a cafeteria worker, having worked many years at both Madison County Training School and Madison Middle School. Mother Hall left a lasting impression in the hearts and minds of co-workers and all who knew her.
Mother Honey Hall loved people and especially loved to spend time in fellowship with them. Likewise, she enjoyed the joyous times she spent with her family. She loved to cook and always had enough to share. Her award winning, mouth watering desserts: sweet potato pies, peach cobblers and bread pudding could not be compared to any other because she seasoned her recipes with extra measures of motherly love.
Despite her many years of hard work, Mother Honey Hall always allowed herself time to enjoy more relaxing activities as well. She loved tending to her flowers, eating fish and shopping. She had a green thumb for growing flowers and plants and was stylish in selecting her clothing because she was always “dressed to the nines.”
Mother Mary Johnson “Honey” Hall crossed from this walk of life on Friday, Sept. 17, 2021. She will be missed, but her faithful earthly service is complete; she has earned her angel wings and has relocated to her heavenly home where she can now serve the Lord forevermore.
Forever treasuring the life and legacy and cherishing her loving memory are her sons: Willie (Bertha) Hall, of Lee, Randy Hall and Alfred Hall, both of Madison; daughters: Julia (Joe) Alexander, of Greenville.; Lucille Hall and Pearl (Johnnie) McGee, both of Madison; Diane (Johnny) Siplin, of Lee; Barbara Davis, of Madison; and Mamie (Kevin) Pryor, of Pinetta; sisters: Shirley (Lewis) Golden, of Columbus, GA, and Catherine Price, of Jacksonville, Fla.; grandchildren, raised as her own: Charlie (Nicole) Williams, of Tampa, Fla.; LaBertha (Gerald) Barnes, of Capps, Fla.; and Darius Jones, of Madison; 31 grandchildren; 84 great-grandchildren; 35 great-great-grandchildren; and many other sorrowing relatives and loving friends.
Final care and compassionate services are being provided to the Hall family with love, care and uncompromising dignity, by J.P. Moore Mortuary & Cremation Services, in Madison, (850) 973-6677; Jamarien "J.P." Moore, Mortician.