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Born on August 25, 1931, in Albion, Michigan, to James and Marie McIntosh, Joyce was raised in a faith-filled household with three brothers and one sister. Her father, who became the first Black councilman and county supervisor in Albion (later honored with a park named after him), exemplified the values of public service and courage that would shape her life’s work. Meanwhile, her mother was actively involved in church and community efforts in ways that demonstrated faith, compassion, and unconditional love, all traits Joyce would later emulate.
Joyce’s dedication to education began early, as she played piano and taught Sunday School in her youth. She attended Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education. There, she joined her beloved Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., beginning a 70-year commitment to public service that would shape her life and her community.
In 1954, Joyce began her teaching career in Flint, Michigan, working with handicapped children. While volunteering at Percy Jones Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan, Joyce met Harry J. Hall, a chemist and Florida A&M University graduate serving in the army. Their partnership began in 1955 when they married and moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, immediately joining St. Benedict the Moor Church.
After relocating to Milwaukee, she joined Milwaukee Public Schools, beginning her journey at Lee Street School. Her passion for helping children learn to read inspired her to become a reading specialist, serving at Fifth Street School and Henry L. Palmer (later renamed George Washington Carver Academy). Children often pleaded to work with Joyce, drawn to her patience, comfort, and unconditional love. Although she received offers for administrative positions, she remained committed to the classroom, believing her greatest impact would come from working directly with her students and fellow teachers.
Later, Joyce and Harry were blessed with one daughter, Dr. Eve M. Hall, who would follow in her mother’s footsteps of leadership and service throughout her education and career, becoming President and CEO of the Greater Milwaukee Urban League in 2017.
Joyce’s commitment to education didn’t end with retirement in 1994. For the next 25 years, until age 88, when the pandemic hit, she voluntarily tutored children in reading twice weekly.
Principals always reserved a special room for “Mrs. Hall,” and colleagues joked that she had never, truly, retired.
At St. Benedict the Moor Church, Joyce served as co-chair of the parish council, member of the Human Concerns Committee, and community meal program coordinator. Her compassionate observation that “we are all only one paycheck away from unfortunate circumstances” guided her approach to serving others without judgment.
In Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Joyce’s impact was equally profound. She established the foundation for the Milwaukee Alumnae Chapter’s Delta Academy, mentoring middle school young ladies – work that received national recognition in 2005. Soror Hall represents all of the cardinal virtues on which the sorority was founded. Named Delta of the Year in 2006, she served as a historian and created a beautifully designed sorority scrapbook preserving the chapter’s history.
The crowning recognition of her career occurred when the George Washington Carver Academy named its library in her honor. In July 2021, despite failing health, a ceremony was held at her home with dignitaries, education leaders, and a media gathering to celebrate her legacy. She stated that the event in her home “gave her the will to live.” Joyce later attended the formal library dedication in person at the academy in December 2021, arriving in tears of joy.
Other honors include being recognized in 2013 as an “Education Pioneer” by Milwaukee Times and WISN 12 at the annual Black Excellence Awards ceremony. Milwaukee Public Schools presented an “Excellence in Education” award to her at the Board of Directors meeting in 2018.
Although she faced health challenges and had limited mobility for several years, her luminous spirit, deep faith, and wise counsel never wavered. She remained a consistent source of inspiration, imparting life lessons with everyone who crossed her path. Friends, sorority members, and neighbors gathered at her home for birthday celebrations and special occasions. Joyce cherished attending the Delta Sigma Theta Founders Day luncheons and other unique outings when possible.
For fun in her earlier years, she loved bowling, playing Pokeno, line dancing, visiting family and friends, and traveling and spending time with her daughter.
The year 2024 marked a pinnacle filled with cherished moments of joy and connection. In June, she witnessed her dream come true as four generations of the McIntosh family gathered in her backyard for their first reunion in over twenty years. She also graced the Greater Milwaukee Urban League’s Black and White Ball, enchanting the event with her radiant presence, an event of special significance to Joyce since her daughter became president.
In her final days, she continued to enjoy watching her Milwaukee Bucks and Green Bay Packers games, Hallmark movies, and spending precious time with family and friends in person or on
the phone. Her caregivers were always a source of support, love, prayers, and laughter which she fully appreciated and felt blessed to have.
On her last full day, Saturday, January 4th, 2025, Joyce took a sunny ride to her trusted dentist, accompanied by her daughter and devoted caregiver. That evening, she watched her final Bucks game while her family and caregivers remained unaware that she would peacefully complete her earthly journey the next day.
Joyce Ann Hall is survived by her daughter, Dr. Eve Maria Hall; first cousins Jacqueline Harrell, Rose Rankin(Percy), and Barbara Reaves; nieces Roslyn Hester (Vernard), Sheri McIntosh, Audrie McIntosh, Karen Rediger (Chace), Sharon McIntosh, Bernardette Storey (Bruce), Monyca Hall, and Phyllis Grayson; nephews Rolland McIntosh, Jr. (Debra), Charles McIntosh, Donnie McIntosh (Jean), Kyle Bradley (Que), Kenric Stephens (Elaine), and Richard Jerry; Godson Cedric Winton (Liz) and many other loving family members.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry J. Hall; her parents, James and Marie McIntosh; her sister, Reba Price; and her brothers, James McIntosh, Jr., Charles McIntosh, and Rolland McIntosh.
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” Joyce Ann Hall filled her 93 years with countless such moments, leaving an indelible mark on every life she touched through her unwavering dedication to education, service, and love for others.
Visitation will take place at Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Monday, January 20, 2025. An additional visitation from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, followed by the service at 12:00 PM, will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 1927 Vel R. Phillips Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Milwaukee.
Joyce Ann Hall, a beloved educator who touched countless lives during her 39-year career with Milwaukee Public Schools and the subsequent 25 years of volunteer teaching, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 5, 2025. Her transition on a Sunday was fitting – it was the day she had long dedicated to serving meals to theContinue Reading