Birth date: Jun 12, 1933 Death date: Oct 9, 2018
A memorial service for Mary Annette Hall of Longview will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, October 15, 2018, in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Longview with the Dr. David English officiating and Dr. Kenneth Hall giving the eul Read Obituary
I am so sorry to learn of Mrs. Hall's passing. We joined FBC Odessa about the same time. She and Mr. Hall were my first introduction to choir. I was 5. I later babysat her children. She was the most beautiful, gentlest person inside and out. There wasn't anything she couldn't do. I love her dearly, although I was going to take Mr. Hall from her to marry him. They both have a huge place in my heart, and always will. Love you, Mary Hall.💞
I always regarded Mary Hall as a rare and gifted person and musician. On occasion she would pick me up from Jr. High School and I would sing for a lady's luncheon blessed with her musical genius at the piano. Watching her play that huge organ at the First Baptist Church from the vantage point of the choir loft was inspiring. Sending loving thoughts to family and friends. Sincerely, Mark Hooker.
Today I had the privilege and blessing to join the choir of First Baptist Church Longview at the service of Mary Hall. Harlan and Mary Hall are dear to me. Inspirational. They are the most important and influential teachers, encouragers and ministers to me, who fostered my love for music and the arts in service to Jesus and His church. I recall the Hymn Festival for young pianists. Mary would listen to me play and when I was done, there was her smile, encouraging words and love. When I was a teenager, she would give a nod to Harlan periodically, who would invite me to play a piano offertory on an upcoming Sunday. Usually the next Sunday. So I learned to always have something ready. As soon as the last note was played, first thing I did was look to the organ to see Mary's beaming smile. It meant the world to me.
There were others in service today who influenced my life beyond measure. Dr. Kenneth Hall is one. He reminded me today that the years I matriculated through the church were the glory years of FBC Longview. I understand the sentiment. Dr. Hall is a servant leader, a good shepherd, and in partnership with Harlan and Mary Hall's music ministry, there was indeed GLORY proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ to a thriving body of believers.
Today I was able to hug the neck of Barbara McClellan, then music teacher at Forest Park Middle School, director of Young Musicians, reatraunteur, news paper columnist, my favorite Golda in Fiddler on the Roof, my favorite Bloody Mary in South Pacific, and just the coolest person I knew in Longview. What a pleasure to hug her neck and hear her proclaim how Mary Hall was like her sister. Barbara, Ive never told you how much you inspire me. How often I think of you.
Lastly, I want to mention some of the women I've known since the nursery whom I love. Who also loved Mary so much. Madge Raney, Nell Collins and my mom, Gene Villyard. I carry each of you each day in my heart and in all that I do that is for His glory. Jesus loves me this I know... Well I know it because of you actually.
These are my heroes. As we layed one to rest today, I was blessed to be back in the glorious sanctuary with them all. God may yet have plans to return GLORY to FBC Longview. As each were called, as Harlan and Mary were called, so too will the Holy Spirit call on new leaders to church with a body of believers that is multi generational, multi cultural and economically diverse, who yesterday, today and tomorrow, need Jesus.
As I played for our Quartet of young men of Longview High School Concert Choir at UIL, Mrs. Hall clapped at the end of the song, and I will never forget her saying to me, "I don't know who to give the "1" to.... You or them!" This was during the year 1976-1977. Mr. Harlan Hall was always trying to lead me further into the music realm, which looking back in hind sight, I wish I would've listen to him. God has used my talent, but I will never forget this family's interest in me. Heaven has gained a beautiful Angel. May God comfort you now. Linda Wallace Fox
Mrs. Hall was such a wonderful mentor and influence on so many of us who had the privilege to knowing her. I remember making dozens and dozens and dozens of cinnamon rolls with her to fund a Youth Choir trip one year. We had so many wonderful adventures with the Halls! Blessings to Harlan and her family.
Mrs. Hall, I always loved you. You brought happiness, comfort, and joy into our little hearts as children at FBC. I’ll never forget playing a solo piece at a Piano Recital for you and winning a blue ribbon. I’m sure you had something to do with that;) I also loved and have fond memories of Mr. Hall’s choir and being a part of his passion for music and youth. May God continue to bless the wonderful Hall family. In HIS name, Ami Gimpel McNally
What wonderful memories and legacy you leave us with Mary Hall. You were a blessing to all of us that had the privilege to know you. Peace, love and grace to the Hall family✌️🏻❤️🙏🏻
