Dorothy G. Hall

Dorothy Gwendolyn (Peterson) Hall was born on September 30, 1934 in Ft. Gaines, Georgia to Walter Lee Peterson, Sr. and Lenora Janine (Wade) Peterson. She departed this life on July 8, 2023 at Jennings Long-Term Care facility in Garfield Heights, Ohio. Dorothy graduated from Asbury Speight High School in Fort Gaines in 1953. A few years later, she migrated to Cleveland, Ohio, where her sister Shirley already lived. There, she met, fell in love with, and married Joseph (aka: Ted) Roosevelt Hall, Jr. in 1959. She joined her husband’s home church, Shiloh Baptist Church, where they held active membership for the remainder of their lives. Dorothy was affiliated with the Shiloh Credit Union, she helped with the Credit Union Quarterly mailings and the September Fellowship Group. She also participated in such activities as the church’s: Back to School Rally; Day of Service; International Tea; Ministry of Mercy; Nurses Guild; and the Food Bank.

During her working years, Dorothy held positions as a caretaker of children in her home, a salesperson at Dillard's Department store, a meal planner and cook for the Oakfield Child Enrichment Center, and a lunch aide at Lomond Elementary School. She enjoyed all of this work. However, she seemed to find her forte in working with children, especially planning, cooking, and serving them meals. Indeed, she had a knack for welcoming and comforting children. In turn, they gravitated to her and apparently found her tenderness reassuring; whether kin or not, they often referred to her as Grandma Hall or Aunt Dot. Dorothy also loved family. She delighted in her children and grand- and great grandchildren. And she enjoyed spending time with her sisters, brothers and in-laws, their spouses and children. Beyond interacting with family, her favorite past times were cooking, crocheting, and taking walks.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her: husband Joseph Hall; parents Walter and Lenora Peterson; siblings Marjorie Peterson Nelson, Shirley Peterson Bouyer, and Willie Ed Peterson; and, siblings-in-law Roy L. Bouyer, Sr. and Ressie Hollinger Peterson. To celebrate her life and cherish her memory, she leaves: three children and one step-child (Joann Gwendolyn Hall, Lumumba Aungkh Hera, Vicki Renee Hall, and Steven Johnson); two grandchildren (Marcia Calcote and Azikiwe Hall); three great grandchildren (Jae’la Calcote, Darranae Harmon, and Bria Harmon); one great, great, great grandchild (Leia Ware); one brother (Walter Lee Peterson, Jr.); three sisters-in-law (Gail McConnell, Gloria Richardson, and Rose Marie Peterson), and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and friends.

As family, we will remember Dorothy as a gentle, caring soul. She was soft-spoken and maybe a bit shy. Without ado she made room in her heart and her home for the little ones, the big ones, and all in between. Her love was usually gentle not tough. At the same time, she was a strong woman who could hold her own in adverse situations. She had staying power and was able to stand up for those who needed support and to urge on those who needed encouragement. She seemed to recognize our unique gifts and was fiercely proud of our efforts and accomplishments. Overall, Dorothy’s twin sides-gentleness on the one hand, and strength on the other-were her gifts to us. Grandma Hall, Indeed!

A visitation for Dorothy will be held Sunday, July 16, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Cummings & Davis Funeral Home, 13201 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44112. A wake will occur Monday, July 17, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM at Shiloh Baptist Church, 5500 Scovill Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44104. A funeral service will occur Monday, July 17, 2023 at 9:30 AM at Shiloh Baptist Church, 5500 Scovill Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44104. An interment OHIO WESTERN RESERVE NATIONAL CEMETERY will occur.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cummingsanddavisfh.com for the Hall family.