1938 – 2013

INVERNESS, Fla. — Beryl “Honey-B” Delight Hall, 74, of Woodstock, passed away after a long illness on Wednesday, March 20, at Hospice of Citrus County.

She was born in Woodstock on May 14, 1938, the priceless Mother’s Day gift to her mom and dad, Hope Maybell and Bernal Thurlow. Beryl was a much-adored baby in a family of six children. She was a beautiful, intelligent, generous, loving and kind woman who lived her life putting others first. Beryl touched many hearts and left behind fond memories to be cherished forever.

Beryl was a faithful member of the Woodstock Seventh-Day Adventist Church and attended the church school next door on Perkins Valley Road. Her generous spirit gravitated towards animals of all kinds. She shared a special bond with horses and especially loved horseback riding. One of her favorite memories was riding her horse to school.

When Beryl was 11, she was overjoyed to have found a companion to travel along with her. She had made a fast and strong friendship with Kenny Gloor, a courageous eight-year-old boy, who had moved from California to live with the Thurlows. The pair would leave their horses, Chummy and Pal, at Uncle Arthur’s farm and then walk the half-mile distance to school. These adventures were often lovingly shared at story times held by Grandma and attended by many precious little listeners, throughout the years.

Beryl was a great swimmer and spent many days on the water at the family camp on Concord Pond, in the warm ocean waters of South Florida and Hawaii, as well as at her sister Ginny’s indoor swimming pool. She loved her homes and is one of very few people who have set up residences in Maine, Alaska and Florida. Countless hours were spent working diligently on home renovations and decorating, ensuring that each and every guest would be happy and comfortable. Every room in her house showed her love of life, family and friendships. There was always a place for any weary traveler at Wendall and Beryl’s house. No soul was ever turned away from a warm bed and a hot meal.

At age 17, Beryl met the love of her life, Wendall. An unusually warm Saturday night at the fairgrounds in South Paris set the stage for great adventures. Shortly after this chance meeting, she went on to attend South Lancaster Academy in Massachusetts, graduating with the Class of 1956. Absence sharpened the love of these teenagers. Eventually, Wendall brought Beryl back home to Maine, where they began building a life together in the presence of their remarkable families.

After being married on July 7, 1957, Beryl and Wendall were seldom separated. They even worked together at B.C. Cole Shoe Shop in Norway. The couple cheerfully brought home $38 a week and dreamed of a better life. Feeling particularly energetic one fine spring day, Wendall surprised his beautiful new bride with a gorgeous baby-blue Ford Fairlane. This exciting present set the stage for many more fine spring days and outstanding gifts.

In 1969, Beryl’s love of the outdoors, interest in properties and keen eye for real estate was put to meaningful work by co-founding Hall and Hall Realty, along with her mother-in-law, Vivian Hall. A few years later, in hopes of keeping their business thriving during winter months, Beryl and Vivian enrolled in income tax preparation classes. Out of this endeavor, the first H&R Block franchise in Maine was opened by this hard-working pair. Even after moving to Alaska in 1974, Beryl continued her career in the real estate business while continuing to be an ever-supportive wife, mother and grandmother.

Beryl is survived by her husband of 55 years, Wendall Walter Hall; her three daughters, Vikki Darline Holmes and her husband, Barry Lynn Holmes; Denise Delight Hall, and Billie Jo Lawton, all of Western Maine; and her eight grandchildren, Amanda Lynn Walker, Dustin John Wendall Holmes, Matthew Kevin Hall, Miranda Hope Vivian Lawton, Christian Micah Ivan Lawton, Clinton Micah Ivan Lawton, Miriah Rose Darling Lawton, and Joel Josiah McKinley Lawton-Tardiff, all of whom were No. 1 in her life. She is also survived by her sister, Virginia “Ginny” Mason of Woodstock; and a precious great-grandson, Blake Hunter Holmes, soon to be born to Dustin and Samantha Lee Holmes in Beryl’s favorite month of May. He is a true gift from the heavens that Beryl would have cherished more than words can express.

She is predeceased by her parents, Hope Maybell and Bernal Thurlow Sr.; her brothers, Bernal “Bud” Thurlow Jr. and Carroll “Cal” Thurlow; and sisters, Dorothy “Dot” Davis and Marrigold “Goldie” Mason.

Wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, we love and miss you infinitely. You are forever in our hearts and prayers.

Copy the Story Link