On May 29, a strong voice went silent and an energetic force was stilled at the death of Evangelist Sarah Kimbrough Hall. For decades, the Indianola native had been a discernible figure in the Delta. She was recognized and beloved by many for her warm smile, jubilant personality, giving nature and her community involvement.
Her daughter, Indiana Norfleet said her mother motivated, encouraged and assisted senior citizens, those who were homeless, as well as family and friends. That was her passion and driving force, she said.
Hall spent her early years in Indianola and gained her education from the schools of Sunflower County before moving to Chicago during her senior year of high school. Over the course of time Hall became a music/concert promoter, hair stylist and cosmetologist before returning to Indianola years later.
Back in her hometown, Hall worked diligently through her concert promotions and contacts to expose local musical talents and the public to nationally and internationally renowned Gospel music artists all the while working to promote local musicians and singers.
In her travels and endeavors Hall brought home numerous honors and graced the stage with some of the nation's most notable Gospel singers, such as the Norfleet Brothers, Luther Barnes and the Sunset Jubilaires, Harvey Watkins, Lee Williams, the Starlight Singers and more.
She also devoted a great deal of her time to being a radio announcer and for the past 32 years she could be heard each Sunday morning from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., on local radio by way of her paid 30-minute broadcast.
Philanthropically, Hall reportedly raised and donated thousands of dollars to first, the Mississippi Firefighter's Memorial Burn Center and then after its closing, she continued her efforts with the Regional One Burn Center in Memphis.
Being the mother of two, a son Junious, in addition to daughter Indiana, the grandmother of six was ever vigilant in her past pursuits and with her passing, without someone to take up her aforementioned efforts, it would potentially leave a void.
However, according to a recent press release, certain friends of her organization have dedicated themselves to picking up and continuing Hall's time-honored legacy of supporting the burn center.
Funeral services for Hall are scheduled for 12 noon on Saturday at Friendship M.B. Church at 2110 Kinlock Road in Indianola.
Gospel music was a major part of Hall’s lifelong trek and almost anyone you ask would tell you her philosophy was centered on the mantra, Lord, Guide Me.
