Teresa Gwen McCormick Hall, known to family and friends simply as Gwen, passed away at the age of 69. Born June 2, 1957, in Hartford City, Indiana, she was the youngest of three daughters born to Billy J. McCormick and Johnnie Northern McCormick.
Gwen became a Christian in her early teens. From an early age, she showed a strong creative and artistic ability that would become an important part of her life.
While living and working in Tuscaloosa, Gwen met the love of her life, James R. Hall Jr., known as Mike. Gwen was gifted in freehand sketching, design and graphic art, talents that became an important part of her professional life. She and Mike married on Aug. 13, 1984, and together built both a life and a successful sign and advertising business around Gwen’s creative talents.
Gwen was quiet and private by nature. Those closest to her knew that she often expressed her feelings through the written word, particularly through cards carefully chosen for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and other important occasions. Within her family, she rarely let a meaningful date pass unnoticed and made a point of including Mike in the sentiments she shared. She was also known for her lifelong love of animals, particularly her dogs and cats, which held a special place in her heart.
Although Gwen had no biological children, she embraced Mike’s sons, Sam Hall and the late Will Hall, as her own and treasured her place in their lives. She was also a grandmother to Sam’s son, Druid Hall.
Gwen is survived by her husband of more than four decades, James R. Hall Jr., known as Mike; her stepson, Sam Hall; her grandson, Druid Hall; her sisters, Karen McCormick Carter and husband Charles Carter, and Marsha McCormick Daniel; her niece, Julie Carter; and her nephews, Jason Carter and wife Rebecca, and Zachary Ray and wife Rebekah. She was preceded in death by her parents, Billy J. McCormick and Johnnie Northern McCormick, and her stepson, Will Hall.
Those who knew and loved Gwen will remember her quiet spirit, her remarkable artistic gifts, her love for animals, and the thoughtful and personal ways she expressed her love for her family. Her life was one marked not by a desire for attention, but by creativity, devotion and the quiet gestures that meant so much to those closest to her.
Family members and friends have asked about sending flowers, food or care packages. The family has respectfully chosen to decline perishable gifts and asks instead that those who wish to honor Gwen’s memory help animals in need. Gwen and Mike shared a deep love for animals throughout their lives; their beloved cat, Indian, was adopted from the Hale County Animal Shelter and continues to live at home with Mike.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hale County Animal Shelter, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, by check payable to Hale County Animal Shelter, 20 Correction Drive, Greensboro, AL 36744, noting “In Memory of Gwen Hall” with the donation, or online through PayPal at paypal.com/ncp/payment/LJ2F7Y5GDZF86. For questions or to confirm a contribution, call the shelter at 334-624-8120 and ask for Autumn, Heather or Jessica.
