News and Views

Eleanor L. Hall, 104, the wife of the late Rev. Richard W. Hall, Jr. and mother of Rev. R. David Hall, died March 14, 2019. A Memorial Service was held March 23 at McKendree-Simms-Brookland UMC where her son is pastor.

Eleanor L. Hall was born in Lexington, Kentucky, Oct. 21, 1914. She and Richard Hall married in 1942 and he was ordained a Methodist Elder in 1948 in the Washington Conference.

In 1949, Eleanor and Richard Hall became a strong spiritual team with his appointment to the Bowie-Lanham Charge which included Ebenezer in Lanham; Ross in Bowie and Dorsey Chapel in Glendale. In 1959 he was appointed to Simms Memorial Methodist UMC where they pastored until 1972. His last appointment was to Randall Memorial UMC, 1972 to 1975 when he retired.

She served in the churches as a pianist, usher, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, a member of the Women’s Society of Christian Service, the forerunner of the UMW. She directed plays they performed. She was the Recording and Corresponding Secretary of the Washington Conference Ministers’ Wives Association.

Preceding her in death in addition to her husband was a step-son, the Rev. Richard Wesley Hall III, who was an AME pastor.

Survivors include four children, all of whom have engaged in areas of leadership within The United Methodist Church. They include: Eleanor H. Hamilton and Mary Hall Gill who serve their local churches in music and Christian Education; son Charles W. Hall Sr. as a trustee and part of the music ministry; son the Rev. Dr. R. David Hall Sr. currently serves McKendree-Simms-Brookland UMC in Washington, D.C. Survivors also include 19 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

Condolences may be sent to Rev. R. David Hall, 1315 Q Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20009.