Mildred Powell Hall, 93, of Beaumont, died Friday, February 27, 2015, at her home after a brief illness. She was born on September 13, 1921, in Orange, to Mary Bell Mulford Powell and Joseph S. Powell. The family moved to Beaumont when Mildred was two years old, and she always considered Beaumont her home
Mildred attended Beaumont schools, graduating from Beaumont High School in 1938. She attended Lamar Junior College and subsequently graduated from The University of Texas in 1942. Though she prepared for a teaching career, she sought other occupations as her service during World War II. Mildred was employed at Neches Butane Products Company in Port Neches, a link in the manufacture of synthetic rubber for the war effort.
On December 7, 1946, she married Willard James Hall after he returned to his home in Beaumont following service in the 20th Army Air Corps, 505th BG, Tinian, Mariana Islands, Pacific Theater. Willard and his brother, Phil Hall, formed Hall and Hall Real Estate which Willard managed until his death in 1994.
Willard and Mildred were active and contributing members of the Beaumont community for all of their lives. They were charter members of Trinity United Methodist Church where Mildred was the first president of the WSCS. She was president of the Junior League of Beaumont and through that organization, became interested in historic preservation; and was a founding member of the Beaumont Heritage Society where she served as president during the restoration of the John J. French House. Mildred was a member of the Jefferson County Historical Commission for over twenty years, and in the 1980's led the effort to preserve the Jefferson County Courthouse, after which the County Commissioners declared "Mildred Hall Day" in recognition of her successful efforts. As a result of that experience, she helped develop a public-private partnership with the City of Beaumont to restore the Tyrrell Historical Library and form the Tyrrell Historical Library Association. When it became apparent that the Jefferson Theater was threatened with demolition, she joined the effort of the Jefferson Theater Preservation Society to achieve the restoration and reopening of the Jefferson. She especially supported Beaumont Main Street and enjoyed serving on that board.
Mildred received public recognition for her restoration efforts in numerous ways, including the Medal of Honor from the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Jefferson Award granted through the Beaumont Enterprise, and in 1997 she was presented the Beaumont Preservation Award. While continuing her interest in historic preservation, she also found time for other endeavors such as membership in Athena Investors and the Own-A-Book Club where she gave numerous book reviews.
Mildred’s first interest was with her husband, Willard, and their three children. Her greatest joy in later years was spending time at the beach house built by Willard, surrounded by her six grandchildren.
Mildred is survived by her sons, Willard James Hall, Jr. and his wife, Caryn, of Beaumont and J. Clint Hall and his wife, Cheryl, of Clear Lake; daughter, Laurie Hall Leister and her husband, Curtis W. Leister, of Beaumont; grandchildren, Willard James Hall III, Curtis Joseph Leister, David Powell Leister, Elizabeth Grace Leister, Katherine Eugenia Leister, and William Hall Leister; and sister-in-law, Mavis Powell of Dallas. She is preceded in death by her loving husband; sister, Virgia May Powell; and brothers, Joe M. and G. Lane Powell.
A gathering of Mrs. Hall’s family and friends will be from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 5, 2015, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. Her funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 6, 2015, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3430 Harrison Avenue, Beaumont, with Dr. Robert C. Shield officiating. Interment will follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 5247, Beaumont, Texas 77726; Tyrrell Historical Library, 695 North Pearl Street, Beaumont, Texas 77701; Beaumont Heritage Society, 3025 French Road, Beaumont, Texas 77706; or to a charity of one’s choice.
