Carol Neff Hall

Carol Neff Hall, 83, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, went home to be with the Lord on October 1, 2024, after a brief illness. 

Carol was born on January 12, 1941, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to Norman Booth Neff and Irene Fridy Neff. She had two younger siblings: a sister, Marilyn Lee, and a brother, Barry Allen. 

She graduated from Hempfield High School in Landisville, Pennsylvania, in 1958, then attended the State Teachers College at Indiana (now Indiana University of Pennsylvania), earning a bachelor’s degree in home economics in 1962. She pursued graduate studies at Eastern Michigan University and Temple University.

 In the spring of 1965, Carol met Charles (“Chuck”) Edward Hall at First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster. They were married on August 28, 1965, at the same church. Carol taught junior high school home economics before their first son, Stephen Edward, was born in 1967, followed by son Christopher Brian in 1969. Together, they were founding members of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Lancaster.

 In 1973, Chuck's job with AMP, Inc. relocated the family to the Winston-Salem area of North Carolina, where they settled in Arcadia. The family became active members of Meadowview Reformed Presbyterian Church in Lexington. During this time, Carol served as choir director for several years and hosted a Bible club for neighborhood children in the 1970s and 1980s. 

Carol had a lifelong passion for early American history. In 1977, she began working as a tour guide at Old Salem in Winston-Salem. She was later promoted to Domestic Skills Coordinator and eventually to Associate Director of Education and Interpretation. Carol meticulously researched textiles, clothing, and domestic skills from the 1750s to 1860s, consulting the Records of the Moravians in North Carolina and other historical sources. She made research trips to various living history museums and the Smithsonian Institution, becoming a leading clothing historian. She shared her expertise through seminars at museums and historical associations in both the U.S. and the U.K.

Her deep knowledge of historical clothing led to the creation of her business, Carolina Stitches in Time, for which she produced clothing patterns from the American Revolution to the Civil War era. 

In the 1990s, Carol felt called to serve in overseas missions. Following Chuck's sudden passing in 1997, she answered this call, moving to Berlin, Germany, less than two years later. Serving with World Harvest (now Serge), she built lasting relationships with the city's diverse residents while sharing the gospel. In 2009, she returned to Winston-Salem to enjoy her retirement and spend time with her grandchildren. 

Carol spent the last seven years of her life at SalemTowne in Winston-Salem, where she found much joy. She hosted Bible studies and other small group activities. Mexican Train dominoes and abundant snacks were a staple at das Haus von Carol! 

A member of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Winston-Salem for over 30 years, Carol was dedicated to her church home throughout her later life, including her time abroad. 

Carol had a deep love for Jesus and a genuine heart for people. She shared the hope she found in Jesus with everyone she encountered. During one of her final hospital stays, she reassured a visitor, saying, "It's okay, my nurses know Jesus!" 

Carol is survived by her sons, Stephen (Julia) Hall of Apex, NC, and Christopher (Jodi) Hall of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren Christian (LaurieBeth) Hall of Raleigh, NC, Aaron Hall of Durham, NC, Jordan Hall of Munich, Germany, Matthew Hall and Micah Hall of Apex, NC, and Lillian Hall of Raleigh (currently in Paris, France); and her brother, Barry (Saralyn) Neff of Laurel, MD. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Hall, and her sister, Marilyn Neff. 

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 1046 Miller St, Winston-Salem. A private family interment will be held at Parklawn Memorial Garden.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Carol’s favorite charity, Solus Christus. 

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff and residents of SalemTowne for their friendship for the last seven years. And an overwhelming thanks to the congregation of Redeemer Presbyterian Church for their steadfast love as they cherished our mother these last few decades—especially their dedication to see her through her journey to meet Jesus in 2024.