SEADRIFT – Minnie Lea Montier Hall, wife of the late Carlton W. ‘Pete’ Hall, passed away peacefully Tuesday, October 4, 2016, holding her grandson, Brandon Randall’s, hand. She was born in Port Lavaca, TX January 27, 1937, attended Calhoun High School and graduated from Southwest Texas State College in San Marcos where she met and married the love of her life, Pete Hall. She lived happily in Seadrift, TX since moving there to teach English at Fannin Middle School in her early twenties. In addition to teaching at Fannin she also taught in the Calhoun County Homebound Program until her second retirement. Her many students, family and friends were the joy of her life. In addition to being a teacher she was active in the Seadrift Troop 106 Scouting program for 45 years. It is difficult to sum up a life so filled with the love she had for those around her. She loved the community of Seadrift and her home by the bay. She always said she wouldn’t live anywhere else and didn’t want to move 10 feet in any direction from right where she was. That wish would not have been possible without the loving support and friendship of adopted family members, George Andrus, Reese Vaughn, Mary Spoonemore and Gwyn Minatrea. They watched over her and her little dog, Buddy, throughout all those days when her own family was away working in San Marcos or Houston. Words cannot express our appreciation to them and all her family and friends in this beautiful little community by the bay. Everyone who knew her knew they could stop by for a cool drink or a cup of coffee whenever they liked and she would welcome them with open arms. She had countless stories of her students and followed them throughout their lives and accomplishments. She had a way of finding the best in each and every one of them and had all the confidence that they would succeed. Her husband’s family was her own, and Wilma Sanchez was like a sister to her. She loved her sister-in-law, Myrtle Montier, as if she were her own sister and spent many hours in meaningful conversation with her about all things throughout their many years together. Mama loved her country as anyone who drives by her house can attest. She and her friends sent weekly packages to her grandson, SSgt Garrett Randall, whenever he was deployed. She loved flowers and plants and spent many hours enjoying arranging her greenhouse with Robbie Bess, her favorite son, Carlton, and anyone else she could hoodwink into moving her many pots, glass balls and bottles. She loved her ‘shop and eat’ weekends with her daughter, Tyra Randall, and could dig through junk at junk shops and garage sales for treasures until she just couldn’t go anymore. We would like to thank Kathy Hoskins and her sister at Sisters in Port O’Connor for all their special treatment whenever we would go to look for more glass balls, wind chimes and clothes. Lastly, Tyra and CJ would like to thank the TX Water Safari crew for the many hours of excitement and conversation they have provided Mama over the years. She loved you all. Lea is survived by son, Carlton ‘CJ’ Hall and wife, Lorna and their two sons, Ian and Carlton; daughter, Tyra Randall and husband, Bruce and their two sons, Garrett & Brandon and Honor Hanstad, Brandon’s fiance ; sister-in-law Myrtle Montier, wife of the late Earl Montier who she thought was the grandest brother anyone could ever have; brother-in-law Ed Jordan, husband of the late Kathryn Montier Jordan; sister-in-law Wilma Sanchez, wife of the late Andy Sanchez; and sister-n-law Nelda Rivera. She is preceded in death by Dorothy Montier Andrews, wife of the late Andy Andrews and sister, Estelle Janszen, wife of the late Walter Janszen. She is survived by a multitude of nieces and nephews and many friends she adopted as family throughout her life. She said her greatest blessing on this earth was that was truly loved her entire life.
Funeral services were held at Grace Episcopal Church in Port Lavaca Saturday, October 8, 2016, followed by a reception in the Parish Hall. She was buried in Seadrift.
Memorials may be made to the Port Lavaca Humane Society or the charity of your choice.