Shirley J. Hall
“Be sweet!”, “Remember who you are!” were among the most common phrases Mom would use to counsel her 5 children. She knew much about those things because she was raised that way. Shirley was born September 4, 1935, in Rocky Mount, NC, to Maxie and Irene Dixon. They loved and taught well. One of the highlights of Shirley’s young life was being sealed to her parents in the Mesa AZ Temple. The memory of that trip was something she spoke of often throughout her life.
It was a good thing Shirley had only one sibling. Her baby brother was born when she was nine years old and it likely would have been impossible for her to love or adore another human the way she loved and adored him. She maintained a close relationship with her brother, Sherwood, and his wife, Jean, even though they lived on opposite sides of the country throughout most of their adult lives. His love, counsel and guidance always lifted her.
Shirley attended BYU and the friends she made there became friends for life. She served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. As a missionary in the Southern States Mission, she was able to serve both people she knew and people she met. She cherished the experiences she had while serving and kept in touch with her mission president until his death. Relationships with people were important to her. It was while serving her mission that she met her future husband, David Wayne Hall.
Shirley and David married on December 10,1959. Their union was full of both joy and heartache. Through it all, she defended the fact that she never stopped loving the man she fell in love with, even though he was not that man all the time. As she persevered through the struggles that faced her, she grew increasingly strong, sympathetic, compassionate, kind, wise, and grateful. Those who knew her well loved her for her inclusive nature, grateful attitude and kind words. Even in her last days, with declining body and mind, she didn’t skip a beat in thanking those who helped care for her, even for the smallest acts of service. Shirley and David were married for 23 years, at which time they divorced. In 1991, David passed. Shirley clung to the hope that the next life would offer fresh possibilities and greater perspective for an eternity together. Her remains will be buried next to his, as she wished.
The addition of in-laws helped grow Shirley’s heart. Her in-laws, Merrill and Mary Hall, were always lovingly referred to as “Mom and Dad” and the brothers and sisters she gained through marriage were exactly that – brothers and sisters. Oh, how she loved them! Family was important and she found ways to continue relationships with cousins and other friends and relatives among the struggles of life.
Shirley’s life was defined by faith and service. Those two things were inseparable to her. She was consistently doing for others. She served in several church callings and PTA positions. She gave her all when she served others. Her best service was given to friends, family, even strangers, as she saw needs and found ways to fill them. When she entered the nursing care facility on a permanent basis, she was quickly given the title “the visiting teacher”. Until the pandemic began, she spent her days walking up and down the halls, visiting the patients in each room. She said, “Everyone has a story and they need to be heard.” She was willing to be the listening ear for anyone who needed one. She believed in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints her entire life. She loved to study the scriptures and strived each day to implement Christ-like attributes in her life. She freely shared her testimony with anyone who would listen. She looked forward to seeing the Savior – and we are confident she has done so.
Shirley loved to sew, write poetry and cook. Her talents blessed her family in many ways. Her favorite treats consisted of cherry milkshakes, pineapple upside-down cake, cherry yum-yum, chocolate covered cherries, Almond Roca, Pecan Turtles and Almond Joy. She loved southern fried chicken, fish, Chinese and Mexican food, she enjoyed beautifying her surroundings and created a home regardless of where she lived. She was resourceful and often brought smiles, even giggles, with her ingenious imagination and creativity. She was passionate, protective and quick to speak her mind when she felt like something needed changing. She had a strong desire to keep her family close.
Shirley is survived by her children: Scott (Becky), Susan (Tom), Diane (Dale), Sandra (Jim) and David (Shawna). She is leaving a great example and legacy of faith for her 19 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. She had looked forward to a family reunion that couldn’t be held last year due to the pandemic. We hope she will attend in spirit as we gather to celebrate her.
Our family would like to thank the staff at Stonehenge of American Fork for their love and care of our mother the past 4 years. She said on more than one occasion that the people caring for her there had become her family, also.
We would like to make a compilation of stories/memories from Shirley’s life for her posterity. If you would like to share a memory or tell us how she touched your life, please email us at dianekay.draeger@gmail.com. Thank you in advance for sharing!
Two gatherings will be held to celebrate Shirley’s life. Because she was cremated, there will be no viewing.
Utah Gathering
Sunday, June 13, 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Open House – Warenski Funeral Home – 1776 North 900 East – American Fork, UT 84003
* Local family will be gathered to greet anyone who would like to stop by and visit, share a memory and/or participate in this celebration
Arizona Gathering
Saturday, June 19, 10:00am
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints Church Building – 613 North Stewart – Mesa, AZ 85201
* Memorial begins at 10am. Shirley’s ashes will be buried and her grave dedicated in a private family service