Mother RuVader T. Hall

Ruvader T. Hall, known affectionately as Mother Hall, Mama Hall, Nana, Aunt Vate, “R.T.,” and “Teacher,” completed her earthly journey on February 22, 2026. Born on July 25, 1936, in Medon, Tennessee, Ruvader was a woman who carried her faith with grace, strength, and unwavering dedication.

She married Robert Lee Hall in 1961 in Nashville, Tennessee, and shortly thereafter moved to South Bend, Indiana, where she built a life rooted in faith, service, and community. An inspiring and resilient woman, her life echoed the words of Matthew 5:16: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Her love for God, her steadfast faith, and her devotion to family were the cornerstones of her life.

Mother Hall earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Tennessee State University in 1961 and later obtained a master’s degree in social work and education from Indiana University South Bend. She was a loving, dedicated, and passionate educator who faithfully served the South Bend Community School Corporation for more than 30 years as a teacher, counselor, and administrator. Beyond the classroom, she served as a district counselor and later as Director of Link-Up, working collaboratively with the South Bend Community School Corporation and the Center for Educational Opportunity at the University of Notre Dame, where she helped first-generation college students access higher education opportunities. Her professional career reflected the same resilience, compassion, and excellence that defined every aspect of her life.

She was the proud recipient of the distinguished Rosa Parks Lifetime Achievement Award. Mother Hall was also an active and committed member of Women in Touch, Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), and served as former president of the South Bend Urban League Guild, past board member of the Big Brothers Big sisters and the Parkview Juvenile Detention Center generously offering her leadership, time, and talents to uplift others.

In her leisure time, Ruvader found joy in gardening, driving, and spending cherished moments with family—simple pleasures that reflected her love of nature, freedom, and heritage.

Ruvader spent her life in faithful service to others, consistently proving herself to be a helper to those in need. She lived out her faith daily, demonstrating the love, generosity, and strength she believed were foundational to a life well lived. She was a devoted member of Pentecostal Cathedral Church of God in Christ, where she faithfully served on the Mother’s Board, past president of the Missionaries, and a teacher for New Member's and the Sunday School Department. She was a faithful supporter of the Youth Ministry and served on the church and pastoral anniversary committees.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and faith. She is survived by her children, Samuel Hall and Ava Hall; her grandchildren, Ariana Mattison, Jared Wilson, Jael Wilson, and Jaden Wilson; and her great-grandson, Sevin Samedi, who will forever know his Nana as a pillar of strength and love. She is also lovingly remembered by nephews who were like sons, Lonnie Taylor (Charlotte) and Luther Taylor (Gwen), along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, former students, and colleagues.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Johnny Taylor and Eliza Jane Brown Taylor; her beloved daughter, LaVelle Hall Wilson; and her siblings, Flent Taylor, Bernice Outlaw, Joseph Taylor, Walter Taylor, Callie Mosley, and Ira Taylor Sr.

Ruvader’s life stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith, love, resilience, and service.

We invite you to share your memories, stories, and photos of Ruvader on the memorial page, to celebrate a life well-lived and a woman well-loved. As we remember Ruvader, let us continue to shine our lights brightly, in honor of her inspiring example

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