Joel Dean Hall

Joel Dean Hall, known and loved by all as Dean, entered the presence of his Lord and Savior peacefully early Sunday morning, February 22, 2026, in the comfort of his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with his devoted wife by his side. He was 71 years old and had bravely fought cancer for four years with remarkable courage, grace, and unshakeable trust in God's plan.

Dean was born on May 17, 1954, in Norfolk, Virginia, to Arend Sidney Hall and Elsie Padgett Hall. Dean met the love of his life, Debbie Michelle Ware, in 1972 while they were students at Norfolk Christian High School, where he often sang and played guitar in the hallways, filling the space with music even then. Their friendship blossomed quickly, leading to marriage on April 26, 1975. For exactly 50 cherished years, Dean and Debbie built a Christ-centered home filled with love, laughter, music, and a shared commitment to living as faithful witnesses for Jesus.

Dean's career reflected his integrity and steady hand. He served faithfully in higher education administration, and retired content in having honored God through his work and provided faithfully for his family.

Dean's heart overflowed with joy in the simple wonders that brought delight to his life. He was a lifelong enthusiast of trains, collecting model trains, designing intricate layouts, and actively participating in a model train club that brought massive, detailed displays to life, including setups at the Virginia Beach Convention Center and the Military Aviation Museum. Family vacations often led to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he delighted in riding the historic Strasburg Rail Road and exploring train museums, a tradition that captured his sense of adventure and appreciation for order and craftsmanship.

Equally, Disney held a special place in his heart. He and Debbie honeymooned at Walt Disney World, returned countless times over the decades, and filled their home with Disney memorabilia. These passions weren't mere hobbies; they reflected Dean's childlike wonder, his love for beauty and imagination, and the way those special trips and memories reminded him of the joyful beginning of his marriage to Debbie.

Above everything, Dean's life was anchored in his relationship with Jesus Christ. As a devoted Christian and member of Woodland Heights Baptist Church in Chesapeake, Virginia, his greatest desire was to live as a faithful witness, pointing others to the Savior through his words, his actions, his beautiful tenor voice lifted in worship, singing for years in church choirs and praise teams, often sharing solos or duets with Debbie, and the quiet consistency of his walk with God. He sought to lead by example, offering gentle encouragement, steadfast hope, and genuine care to everyone he met. Even through his four-year battle with cancer, he continued to testify to the peace that surpasses understanding and the eternal hope found only in Christ.

Dean is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Debbie Michelle Hall; his two sons, Joel Hall (Aimee) and Jonathan Hall (Pauline); his grandchildren, Jaden Hall, Gavin Phillips, Grayson Hall, Elijah Hall, Liliana Hall; and his six siblings, Daniel Hall (Donna), Carol Malbone, John Hall (Margaret), Diane Armstrong, Paul Hall (Mary), and Suzanne Cooper (Doug); along with their extended families. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arend Sidney Hall and Elsie Padgett Hall.

Though our hearts ache at his absence, we hold fast to the promise Dean cherished: to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. His faith, his love for family, his enthusiasm for life's simple delights, and his heart for the Gospel will continue to echo in our lives. Well done, good and faithful servant.

A celebration of Dean's life and testimony will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Woodland Heights Baptist Church, 529 Providence Road, Chesapeake, Virginia 23325.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Woodland Heights Baptist Church to support its ministry and missions.

Arrangements are in the care of Graham Funeral Home and Crematory, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake. Please visit grahamfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence to the family.