Barbara Ann (Johnson) Hall

Ann Hall

WOODRUFF- Barbara Ann Johnson Hall,81, of Woodruff joined her beloved late husband, Henry Franklin Hall of almost 60 years in Heaven on Monday, April 24, 2023.  After an extensive battle with Alzheimer’s, she was cradled in the arms of her family at her home when she stepped into Glory.

  Ann was born on December 11, 1941, to the late JT Johnson, Sr., and Eula Mae Coggins Johnson.  She grew up in Campobello, SC where she was a member of Walnut Hill Baptist Church.  She treasured her childhood because of the years of memories she created with her large extended family.  Ann was predeceased by her sister and lifelong friend, Shirley Johnson Shoemaker.  Her surviving brother, JT Johnson Jr, (Junior) and his family brought much happiness to her by their visits and phone calls.

  Ann is survived by her only child, Sherri Michelle Hall Gillespie, and son-in-law Tommy.  She is also survived by her grandson, Derek Gillespie, and his wife Jessica.  Additionally, she is survived by her granddaughter Allison Gillespie and her fiancé Austin Littlefield.  The love she had for her grandchildren was unrivaled.  She cared for them as babies, watched over them at school, made Halloween costumes, and attended school programs, as well as countless baseball games and soccer matches.  Ann also was blessed with two precious great-grandsons, Jaxon Henry Gillespie (3) and Cash Bradley Gillespie (12 weeks).  Even in the late stages of Alzheimer’s, these heaven-sent children were able to break through her confusion.  She loved to hold them, watch them play, and grow.  They could make her smile and laugh when no one else could break through.  She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

  Ann attended Spartanburg Junior College and then transferred to Limestone College where she received her BA in Education.  She moved to Concord, NC to teach alongside her sister Shirley for 11 years.  After moving to Woodruff, she earned her Master of Education degree while teaching at Spartanburg District 4 Schools.  She dedicated 34 years to the children that she taught and loved so dearly.  Through the years, she developed many friendships with her co-workers, many of whom she still maintained contact with.

  Ann was a member of Selma Baptist Church.  She enjoyed gardening, working on the family farm, canning, cooking, and sewing.  She also supported the St. Jude’s Children’s Cancer Research Foundation as well as Disabled Veterans.  But, most of all, she cherished her time with her family and friends.  Ann’s daughter, grandson and granddaughter, and their families chose to make their homes on land that has been in the family for almost 100 years.  It touched her heart in a very special way to have everyone she held so dear surrounding her home.

  Ann was surprised with a special party for her 80th birthday in 2022.  She had no idea that all the people she loved the most were gathering to wish her a Happy Birthday on such a monumental occasion.  Even though Alzheimer’s robbed many of her memories, she was able to share that happy time for many months.

  The family would like to express special appreciation to Essence Gist.  Essence not only became a compassionate caregiver, but she was also a very special friend to the entire family for the past 8 months.

  A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. at Lanford-Gwinn Mortuary Chapel.  The interment will follow at Greenhaven Memorial Gardens.

  The family will receive friends Saturday, April 29, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. prior to the service.

  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 901 S. Pine Street, Spartanburg, S.C. 29302 or www.alz.org.

  The family is at the home of Sherri and Tommy Gillespie, 1323 Stewart Road, Woodruff.

  Lanford-Gwinn Mortuary