House Resolution 61

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. ANITA "JEAN" HANNON HALL AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HER PASSING.

WHEREAS, "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved Dr. Anita "Jean" Hannon Hall to eternal rest, rendering great sorrow and loss to her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, the Jackson, Mississippi, community lost a great friend and educator with the passing of Dr. Hall, who was born to Norval Hugh Hannon Sr., and Alberta Van Harris Hannon on February 1, 1933; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hall was educated in the public schools of Escambia County, Florida, and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, and she would continue her education at Hampton Institute, graduating with a bachelor of arts and master's in 1956, before later obtaining her doctorate of education at Florida State University; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hall began her career as an elementary school teacher in Hampton, Virginia, and continued her professional goals as a professor of education at Bishop State College in Mobile, Alabama, before subsequently moving on to Jackson State University; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hall's keen interest in educating future teachers, mentoring graduate students and selflessly offering her strength and support spoke of the boundless depths and huge expanse of her generosity and care she possessed; and

WHEREAS, the hallmark of Dr. Hall's career was her illustrious career at Jackson State University from 1976-2001, where she served as a professor and Department Chair of Curriculum and Instruction; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hall married her college sweetheart, Manilus "Mack" Thomas Hall, and the joy of their blessed union was their daughter, Pamelia M. Hall, who is an educator and musician; and

WHEREAS, in addition to her professional career, Dr. Hall was also very active in her church, Mount Helm Baptist Church in Jackson, where she served as a faithful and tireless member and the church's treasurer, and she was also active in the Mississippi Democratic Party; and

WHEREAS, though she has traversed the river of life to reunite with those who have preceded her in death, the legacy of Dr. Hall will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of her beloved survivors: daughter, Pamelia M. "Xami" Hall; sisters-in-law, Thelma Patricia Hannon and Itoe Hannon; cousin, Pearl Perkins; beloved nieces, Avis Hannon Payne, Uri Hannon Nash and Sakura Hannon; nephews, Makoto Hannon, Kai Hannon and Ikeda Hannon; great nieces and nephews, Quentin Bruce, Stephanie Bruce, Yoshitara Hannon, Willie Bruce, Jr., Katrell Nash, Ikenori Blackwell, Uri Sakura Blackwell, Miyuki Hannon, Sterling Nash, Jr., Iakaimi Hannon, Makito Hannon and Rod Blackwell; and many students, colleagues and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize the lives of fine Mississippians, such as Dr. Hall, whose contributions toward educating the youth of our state will forever be remembered:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Anita "Jean" Hannon Hall, and express deepest sympathy to her friends and family upon her passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Dr. Anita "Jean" Hannon Hall and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.