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John Hall Obituary

John Stevenson Hall, Jr., 93, passed away Saturday, February 21, 2015. He was born in Nigeria, West Africa, the son of Missionary parents, Rev. John Stevenson Hall, Sr. and Edith (Edwards) Hall. At age 3, John was sent to McGowans Missionary Home for children in Canada due to the death of his mother. He remained there until he left for Hampden DuBose Academy in Orlando, Florida to attend high school. In 1940 he attended Wheaton College and graduated in 1944 with a B.A. Degree. He attended Northern Baptist Seminary from 1944 to 1947 where he earned his B.D. and then attended McCormick Seminary in Chicago from 1947 to 1949 where he earned a second B.D. He was ordained into the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. on April 27, 1949 in Chicago. On May 10, 1950 John married Marie Zobel and they had three children who survive him, Jeanne (Arthur) Jackson of Big Rock, IL, Sharon (Jeff) Crowhurst of Ottawa, IL and Mark (Debrann) Hall of Oswego, IL. John pastored at the Beverly Hills Presbyterian Church in Beverly, Chicago, then at Lindsay Memorial Presbyterian Church in Memphis, Tennessee and for over 30 years was the pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Aurora. He was their first pastor and oversaw the building of the church at Edgelawn and Galena in Aurora. In "retirement" he pastored the Second Presbyterian Church at Superior and Loucks for over 20 years. Upon retirement from Westminster Presbyterian Church, John married Janet Kesel Hughes, who survives him. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Charles Hughes and Karen Griffin; eight grandchildren, Arthur (Chelsea) Jackson, Jr., John Jackson, Michael (Marie) Jackson, Brittany Crowhurst, Eric (Molly) Crowhurst, Casey Crowhurst, Jillian Hall and Chase Hall; four great grandchildren, Gabrielle Jackson, Mackson Jackson, Lily Crowhurst and Emerson Crowhurst; two brothers, Norman and Douglas Hall; one sister, Esther Gentile and many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his sisters, Agnes Hall, Margaret Hall and Helen Gingrich and a brother, Jim Hall. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2015 from 9:30 A.M. until the service hour of 11 A.M. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 10 N. Edgelawn, Aurora, IL. Burial will follow at Sugar Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 10 N. Edgelawn, Aurora, IL 60506 or to Second Presbyterian Church, 1201 Superior, Aurora, IL 60505. Arrangements by The Healy Chapel, 332 W. Downer Place, Aurora, IL. For further information please call 63-897-9291 or visit www.healychapel.com to leave an online condolence.

Published by Beacon News from Feb. 24 to Mar. 4, 2015.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Hall

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I became friendly with John & Marie Hall in 1970 when my first husband & I were married. My in-laws were very active in Westminister Pres. John Hall baptized me the first time I felt the need to be baptized and join the church. I always respected him and felt comfortable in asking him about religious concerns.
My thoghts & prayers are with you.
Jane Baker Cooney Hardin

Jane Hardin

March 25, 2015

My brother Larry Lonis informed me that Reverend Hall has left us. I must share with you that it brought me great sadness. I had the very special gift of being close to your family for over three years. Reverend Hall influenced my life in incredibly positive and meaningful ways. He helped me through the passing of my own father I believe, not because he was my pastor, but because he loved my father and he loved me. He had higher expectations for what I could do with my life than I could have imagined for myself and his faith in me and the love he freely shared have been a beacon for me throughout my life. I will always be grateful for the love he and his entire family offered me during a very difficult and pivotal time of my life. I can honestly say I would not be the person I am today had he not been there for me. Please accept my very sincere condolences for your loss. With great love and affection for you all.

Dale Lonis

March 10, 2015

When my family moved to Aurora, we joined Westminster, and Rev. Hall made us feel right at home. I remember the Hall family with great fondness and send my condolences to them all. I pray that our Lord will comfort you and that you will find joy in the many wonderful memories you share. May God bless you all!

April Logan

February 28, 2015

My condolences to the whole family.

Judy (Lamoreaux) Bauer

February 28, 2015

I have many happy memories of Rev. Hall and Westminster. They both set my life on its future course. My family began attending after moving to Aurora in 1960 when I was 9. My parents (Neil and Susan Stephenson)were very active in the church. I was confirmed at Westminster by Rev. Hall, giving my life to God at this time. He also baptized my daughter. I am now a pastor at LaPrairie Presbyterian Church in Sparland IL. My sympathy to his children, whom I knew through Sunday school, and the rest of his family. Rev. Hall is remembered fondly in my family.

Melinda (Mindy) Stephenson

February 25, 2015

Rev. Hall is tied to so many of the happy memories in my life. He baptized me and all three of my children and performed my wedding ceremony. He also presided over both of my parents funerals. I remember him sitting in my living room when I was a child having long talks with my dad. I'm very sorry for your loss. He will be remembered by many.

Susan Bass McGowan

February 25, 2015

Rev. Peder Carlson

February 25, 2015

So sorry to hear of Rev. Halls passing. John married Jack and I and also our two sons. Kenneth and John. He was always a wonderful pastor. Karen and Jack Wood

February 24, 2015

Bless all of the Hall family. It was a pleasure knowing all of you.

Susan Kizler

February 23, 2015

Thanks for all the great memories at Apple Canyon Lake and all the great birthday parties. We will miss you!

Jeffrey Crowhurst

February 23, 2015

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Memorial Events
for John Hall

Feb

26

Visitation

9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Westminster Presbyterian Church

10 N. Edgelawn, Aurora, IL

Feb

26

Service

11:00 a.m.

Westminster Presbyterian Church

10 N. Edgelawn, Aurora, IL

Feb

26

Burial

Sugar Grove Cemetery

IL

Funeral services provided by:

The Healy Chapel - Aurora

332 W. Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60506

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