Annie Ruth Hall 1932-2026

Ms. Hall was born Sept. 12, 1932, in Brownsville, South Carolina, a daughter of Adam and Viola Gadson Pierce. She was a 1950 graduate of Latta High School in South Carolina and came to Youngstown in 1969 from Brooklyn, New York.

Annie had been employed with Robert Hall’s Store, Creed the Cleaners, Weatherbee Coats, and Youngstown Sheet and Tube until its closing.

Annie became a block watch supervisor under then-Sgt. Bell, Mayor Ungaro and Chief Randall Wellington. She also had cleanup crews for the city of Youngstown with former Councilman Rufus Hudson. Other activities included being over the Youngstown Local National Night Out, Black History Month Feast of Salads, food and clothing giveaways under the leadership of Mr. Joe Lordi, director of Community Gleaners Food Bank on Pyatt Street, and toys were also given away under this program. Annie was also appreciative of Mrs. Denise DeBartlo-York, who was instrumental in support of these programs, especially at Christmas by buying hats, coats, gloves and toys for children.

In September 2016, Annie celebrated her 85th birthday and was the focus of the 20th Annual East Side Block Watch party. Many accolades were given at that time, and even though it was her birthday, she was busy taking care of others. It was said that she was “a people person” and “was always doing so much for everyone else.” Mr. Moore said, “The testament of Hall’s status in the community is that the party was attended by people of all backgrounds and races.”

Annie was a former member of Gospel Temple Baptist Church in Campbell, where she served as president of the nurses guild. She was presently a member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Youngstown under the pastorate of the Rev. Wayne Fuller.

Annie was the caregiver for many of her family members, including her mother, stepfather, two of her sisters and her brother Johnnie.

Annie leaves to mourn her passing but to celebrate her wonderful life and legacy, nephews Tony Pierce, Sylvester Cox Sr., Larry Anglin, Kenny Miles, Richard Miles, Charles Miles, Thomas Miles, Reginald Miles, Jeffery Miles and Edward Pierce Jr.; nieces, Lucile Walker, Coretta Pierce and stepniece, Diane Moncrief; caregivers, Taunya Fuller and Rodney Lewis (who was also her godson); and other nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends.

Besides her father, mother and stepfather, Viola and Richard Miles; she was preceded in death by her grandparents, Adam Pierce Sr. and Estelle Pierce; sisters, Geneva Bevly and Mary Govan; brothers, Hardy, Johnnie, Edward, Leo and Adam Pierce Jr., and Walter and Henry Miles.

Visitation will be 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home, 1951 McGuffey Road, Youngstown, OH 44505. A celebration of a life well lived will follow at noon.

(special notice)