Lavera Hall

LaVera Richardson Hall
Mattie LaVera Richardson, known to friends and family as "Bebe", "Nanny", and "Mama Hall", passed away peacefully at home on April 29, 2021, surrounded by family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Virgil Hall.
She will be remembered lovingly by her six children: Jack Hall, Jr., Jimmy (Karen) Hall, Donna (Stan) Foster, Cindy (Buddy) McQuillen, Susie (Errol) Hewitt, and Travis Hall; sixteen grandchildren: Matt (Janet) Hall, Bryan (Sarah) Hall, Ryan Hall, Alex (Colby) Hall, Jonathan Hall, Laura (George) Lang, Adam Anderson, April (Sidney) Klein, Alan Anderson, Chris (Diane) McQuillen, Justin McQuillen, Melissa McQuillen, Daniel (Summer) Davis, Emily (Cass) Fishbein, Garret Hall, and Savannah Hall; sixteen great-grandchildren, as well as numerous other relatives and friends.
LaVera was born November 28, 1923 in Alberta City, Alabama. She had one sister, Gloria, and brother, Bill. LaVera's childhood revolved around her great love of music. Her mother Mattie Lou played the organ and her father Glenn directed the singing for their church, Mt. Olive Baptist Church, in Tuscaloosa. She began playing the pump organ at age six and could play "by ear", later playing piano at church.
LaVera and Jack were married June 1, 1946 in Gardendale, AL. Soon they moved to Mobile, and it was home for the rest of their lives. They welcomed six children into the family, and LaVera instilled a love of music in them all. Many hours were spent playing the piano with the children gathered around, singing favorite gospel hymns. She loved singing in the choir at Kingswood United Methodist Church. She had a great flair for Southern cooking, whipping up the best cornbread known to man. She also adored arranging flowers that Papa Hall grew.
In 1965, she began her career as manager of the Dauphine and Berkshire Apartments, where she made many lifelong friends and was known for her fairness to her tenants and employees. During the 70s, she enjoyed following the musical journey of Jimmy, Jack and Donna as members of Wet Willie, attending their concerts and being their number one cheerleader. Possessing a quick wit and fantastic way with words, she wrote close to 50 songs from 1973-1980. She said it was her therapy. She had an incredible memory and often shared stories of growing up in the 1920's and 30's. Bebe had a true zest for life - always saying "I had the most fun!"
LaVera cherished each grandchild and great-grandchild, and the Hall house was always full of laughter, music, and love. The family would like to thank dear and faithful friend Debbie Jordan for caring for our Mother for many years. We also thank the staff at Kindred Hospice, especially Jennifer, who helped her greatly during her final months. Donations can be made in LaVera's honor to Kingswood United Methodist Church, 5200 Perin Road, Mobile, AL 36693. Flowers are being handled by Sherhea at Beckham's Florist, (251)633-2034. Her funeral service will be on Tuesday, May 4 at 2:00 pm, with visitation from 12:00-2:00 pm, at Mobile Memorial Gardens, 6040 Three Notch Road, Mobile, AL 36619.

https://www.al.com/life/2021/05/southern-rock-matriach-lavera-hall-has-died-family-confirms.html