Barbara Jo Hall

Barbara Jo Pelt Hall, age 80, of Tyner, NC, died at Sentara Obici Hospital in Suffolk, VA on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, surrounded by family and friends.
Barbara was born in Orange, TX on August 12, 1945, to the late Columbus Jesse Pelt and Era Marie Smith Pelt. The family relocated several times in Florida but finally settled in Pensacola. Barbara completed nursing school at Pensacola Junior College and enjoyed telling stories of her time as a nurse in the hospital psychiatric unit. She also met the other half of her soul in Pensacola, and on March 27, 1965, Barbara married Thomas "Tom" Renwick Hall, Jr.
Barbara endured significant heartache but powered through with an even more significant strength when she received news that Tom was shot down flying a mission over Vietnam on June 10, 1967. Tom was listed as missing in action (MIA) for two years until his name was finally released as a prisoner of war (POW). During America's Operation Homecoming to bring the POWs home, Tom was finally granted freedom on March 4, 1973, after spending 2,095 days in captivity. People often talk about the experiences of POWs but often overlook the experiences of the wives and families. Barbara fostered a profound sense of hope and faith that Tom would return home safely, even when she did not know if he was killed in action or captured. Her love for him was so deep that she waited 2,095 days for him to return to her and their daughter, Donna.
Barbara and Tom were stationed in Virginia Beach, VA when they decided to retire from Navy life and begin a cabinet business. In 1986, they moved the family to Tyner, NC and established Chowan Cabinets. Together, they operated a successful business, as Tom built the cabinets and Barbara managed operations. Barbara was the heart and soul of the family. She taught their five children the value of love, family, and selflessness. Barbara always put everyone and everything before herself and never complained. Even in her final days, she was more worried about her family and friends than herself. She even gave her family marching orders to ensure all of her outstanding tasks were completed so that everyone would be taken care of.
Barbara found happiness in raising her children and always volunteered for school, sporting, and community functions to actively engage in activities with her kids. She always opened her home to anyone who needed a safe place to stay or a shoulder to lean on. She enjoyed raising and caring for animals, fishing in the creek, making stained glass, and watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren grow.
Surviving to continue her legacy are her son, Howard "Gene" Hall (Monica); daughters, Donna Hall, Ryan Kemter (Jim), and Christina "Christi" Zember (Adam); eight grandchildren, Victoria "Tori" McPherson, Katelyn Miller-Hall, Thomas "Tommy" Hall, IV, Kennedy Hall, Annabelle Zember, James "JD" Kemter, Abigail Kemter, and Anna Kemter; and three great-grandchildren, Alexander Vargus, Grace Baker, and Presley Baker. She is also survived by her "adopted son," Clark Bond (Bonnie), and cousins whom she considered to be her siblings, Mary Carter, Deborah Lagos (Richard), Frances Raughton (Charles), Bill Cooley (Shelley), and Judith "Judy" Stewart Carpenter. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Thomas "Tommy" Renwick Hall, III, and cousin, Jackie Cooley.
A memorial will be held for close friends and family in March for Barbara and Tom's 61st wedding anniversary.
Twiford Funeral Homes, 405 E. Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC, is assisting the Hall family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.