Estella Hall

Estella Simpson Hall, daughter of Alexander Simpson and Etelia Brown life story is a rich tapestry of devotion, skill, and joy that touched many hearts. As we remember her, we see a woman whose roots in Sherewood Content, Reserve District Trelawny, Jamaica, provided the foundation for a life of resilience and warmth. Born in the spring of 1924, Estella, affectionately known as "Essy" to her loved ones, began her journey in a world vastly different from the one she left behind in the peaceful slumber of November 8th, 2023.

Her post-high school venture into Kingston marked a pivotal chapter where she honed her craft in dressmaking-a skill that she would carry and perfect throughout her lifetime. This trade was not just a means of livelihood but an expression of her artistry and independence. In the heart of Kingston, she also met her beloved Lynval Nathaniel Hall, a mason from Mt. Charles, St. Andrews. Together, they built a family and a life that spanned cultures and continents, raising five children in Jamaica and two more in Birmingham, England, following their bold move in the early 60s.

The kitchen was a haven for Estella's culinary prowess. Her cooking was more than just a daily routine; it was a celebration of seasons and cultures, a welcoming gesture that said, 'here, you're family'. The flavors she created were an extension of her love, ensuring that no one ever left her table hungry or unfulfilled.

Dance was another of Estella's passions, a testament to a spirit that found rhythm in both the secular and the sacred. From swaying to the reggae beats of Bob Marley to moving gracefully to the melodies of church hymns, her love for dance was a vibrant thread in the fabric of her life. It's a comforting thought to imagine her now, dancing in heaven with the same zest and joy that she exhibited on earth.

Estella's legacy is multifaceted-a skilled dressmaker, a culinary artist, a dancer with an undying love for music, and above all, a matriarch whose lineage spans across great-great-grandchildren. She leaves behind a legacy of life's simple joys-family, food, music, and dance-imparting the message that while life can be complex, happiness often lies in the simplest of things. Estella Simpson Hall, a woman of remarkable character and love, will be dearly missed but her essence will continue to inspire and live on within the hearts of those she touched.

The legacy of Estella Simpson Hall extends far beyond her immediate family, as reflected in the vast network of lives she touched. Her three daughters, Dottrice McPherson, Bevena Whitmore, and Sandra Hall, stand as testament to her nurturing spirit and enduring strength. Her sister, Violet Nicholas, remains a part of the strong sibling bond that Estella cherished throughout her life.

The branches of her family tree are lush with 15 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren, each carrying a piece of her legacy forward. Her role as an aunt brought joy not only to her nieces and nephews but also to the friends who became family, drawn into the warmth of her expansive heart.

Estella's influence as a sister, advisor, and confidant was felt by countless individuals who found in her a kindred spirit and a guiding light. The impact of her wisdom and compassion created bonds that transcended bloodlines, making her a beloved figure within her community and beyond.

While the loss of her husband Lynval Hall, her sons Patrick Ruthie and Errol Hall, and her daughters Margaret C. Phillips and Linda J. Hall, alongside grandchildren Jennifer and Dean Whitmore, marked times of sorrow, these individuals who went before her form a constellation of memories that continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those who knew them.

Her siblings Ralford, Annie, Twilbie, Simon, Dudley, Daphne, and Joyce, too, have passed on, leaving Estella as a remaining link to the stories and shared experiences of their youth. The absence of these loved ones highlights the profound connections that Estella sustained throughout her remarkable life, connections that will live on through the stories retold and the memories cherished by the many who loved her.

As we honor Estella's memory, we are reminded of the indelible mark she left on this world-a mark characterized by love, resilience, and the ability to make everyone she met feel like family. Her spirit, as lively and nurturing as ever, will continue to be felt in every laugh shared, every meal savored, and every dance step taken by those who carry her spirit within them.