Deborah Hall

Deborah Hall, a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, and friend, entered into eternal rest on December 2, 2025, in Dayton, Ohio, surrounded by the love of her family.

She was born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 11, 1950, to her late parents, Mitchell Hall and Artie Mae Hall. Proudly a “Chi-Town girl,” Deborah carried her Chicago roots with her everywhere she went. Though life later took her to Ohio, she always held Chicago—the food, the music, the people, the memories—deep in her heart.

Deborah attended August Oliver Elementary School and Englewood High School, where her natural gifts in mathematics and computation were cultivated. At ten years old, Deborah was baptized in Chicago, beginning a lifelong journey of faith, and later became a member of Cathedral of Love Missionary Baptist Church.

She worked in several roles throughout her life, including at Lane Bryant, the State of Illinois, and later at Nia Rehabilitation and Senior Care. At Nia, Deborah cared for elders with compassion, patience, and dignity, becoming a cherished colleague and caregiver whose warmth and humor allowed her to connect with anyone.

One of Deborah’s greatest joys was being a mother and grandmother. She was blessed with two children, her son Arlynn and daughter Artis. Deborah played a loving and influential role in raising her granddaughter, Yvonna, and adored the time she spent with her grandsons, Zach and Jaxson. She also looked forward to every gathering, especially the holidays or her annual birthday celebration.

Deborah loved the rhythms of Motown music. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and reading mystery and romance, spending hours with a good book as she let stories take her to new worlds and on new adventures.

Known for her kindness, humor, and gentle spirit, Deborah lived a life rooted in deep love for the people around her. She was relatable—easy to talk to, easy to love, and simply sweet in a way that made people naturally gravitate toward her. Deborah would connect instantly: with a jovial "Hey, girl," or a slow, steady "Okaaay" to let you know that she didn’t just hear you, but she got you completely.

She expressed her generous heart through giving, whether it was thoughtful gifts, often cash surprises, or gestures that reminded her family how much she cared for them.

Deborah avoided trouble, but if it found her, she met it with a sharp wit, a smile, and the candid, no-nonsense declaration that "it was on!"

Deborah was preceded in death by her parents, Mitchell and Artie Mae Hall, and her loving daughter, Artis Hall. Deborah leaves to cherish her memory: her loving son, Arlynn Hall (Ebony Speakes-Hall); her grandchildren, Yvonna Hall, Zachary Hall and Jaxson Hall; her great-grandchildren, Zayvion Little, Alani Townsend, Jamya Hall, and Lufi Hall; and a host of cousins and friends.

She will be remembered as a woman who loved deeply, laughed easily, and gave freely:

“To all the family I love, and to all the family that loves me… I appreciate you very much. Don’t feel sad—rejoice. Celebrate my life.” Rest well, Mom, Grandma, and Friend.

Visitation will be held for Deborah Hall on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 10 AM until time of service at 12 PM at Truth & Destiny Covenant United Church of Christ, 2645 W. North Bend Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45239.

An additional visitation will be held Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 12 PM until 1:30 PM at Leaks & Sons Funeral Home, 18400 Pulaski Rd, Country Club Hills, IL 60478. Burial will take place at 2:30 PM at Burr Oaks Cemetery, 4400 West 127th Street, Alsip, IL 60803.