Mary was born September 6, 1937, in Talladega Alabama, the daughter of Zebedee & Annie Bell (Huston) Christian, Sr.
Mary graduated from Holy Cross Central School of Nursing, Notre Dame. After graduation she resided in Chicago, IL. working as a registered nurse at the University of Chicago Clinics. Ms. Hall returned to Anderson in January of 1965 to take a position as a registered staff nurse at the then, Guide Lamp Division of General Motors. She was the first African American Nurse to work at that Division of General Motors. Through the years while working, Ms. Hall continued her education receiving a bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph’s College in Maine and a master’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Ms. Hall was active in nursing organizations affiliated with her field of Nursing and Occupational Health Nursing. She was the first African American Nurse to serve as director on the National Board of Directors for the National Association of Occupational Health Nurses, representing the North Central area of the United States. This organization represents the largest group of healthcare professionals serving the workplace of America. She also was the first African American Nurse to serve on the National Board of Directors of the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. The board that develops and conducts a program of certification for qualified occupational health nurses in America.
She retired in 1998 after working for General Motors for thirty-three plus years. She retired as a General Supervisor of nurses for the Central Southwest area of the United States. Ms. Hall served as a volunteer counselor for SCORE, an organization comprised of volunteers who donate their expertise to help individuals who want to take on the challenge of self-employment and entrepreneurship. She was also a volunteer at St. Vincent / St. John Health System.
Mary was an avid Dallas Cowboy fan and loved the NBA. She could yell louder than any bull horn…and shriek at octaves that were off the chart. She enjoyed traveling and has visited several countries including Bermuda, Costa Rica, England, Finland, France, Germany, Hawaii, Mexico, Italy, Russia and US Virgin Islands. Interestingly one year, she and her husband Clifford spent a month in Mexico studying and learning Spanish. But several years later, she was doing good to be able to count to ten in Spanish. At least they had a great time and meet lots of new people.
She is survived by her two daughters, Donna (Gary) Lane of Daleville and Diane (Fausto) Tapia of Indianapolis; stepson, Bennie Cochran of Anderson; sister, Clarice (Frank) Jasper of Arizona; five grandchildren, Jason, Arman, Brian, Marcus, and Kristen; several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clifford; son, Warren A. Hall, and grandson Jonathan Turner.
Services will begin with the Nursing Honor Guard at 2 pm on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service with Pastor Ned Clark officiating. Burial will be in East Maplewood Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 12 to 2 pm on Tuesday at the funeral home
Memorial contributions may be given to Alzheimer’s Association.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com.