Celebrating the Life

of

Mother Virginia Blondell Hall-Tarver

Her Beginning

Mother Virginia Blondell (Rush) Hall-Tarver was born on Sunday, September 26, 1927, in Charleston, Missouri, to the late Ellis and Louise Rush. From the very beginning, God had His hand upon her life, shaping a woman whose legacy would be marked by faith, service, excellence, and unwavering love.

Her Childhood

Virginia was reared in a Christian home where faith was the foundation of family life. At an early age, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and remained devoted to Him throughout her entire life. She faithfully served in the church from childhood and demonstrated a deep love for God that never wavered.

A gifted student, Virginia graduated from Lincoln High School as an honor student, ranking among the top two students in her graduating class.

Her Career

Virginia's entrepreneurial spirit led her to pursue a career in cosmetology. In 1953, she graduated from Stovall House of Beauty Culture and immediately fulfilled her dream of opening her own business, Ginnie's Glamour Salon. Through her work as a beautician, she not only enhanced the beauty of others but also built lasting friendships and ministered to countless people with grace and kindness.  Virginia was deeply committed to her work. She viewed every appointment as an opportunity to uplift and encourage others, ensuring each client left feeling beautiful, confident, and cared for. She finally decided to retire from this life-long work at 90 years old.

Her Commitment to Christ

On May 18, 1948, Virginia married the love of her life, Pastor James L. Hall, Sr. Together they faithfully served the Kingdom of God for more than four decades.

In September 1960, Pastor and Mother Hall founded Grace Temple Church of God in Christ, where the inaugural service was held on October 2, 1960. The very first congregational song, "Oh, How I Love Jesus," beautifully reflected the love and dedication that would define their ministry together.

As First Lady, Mother Hall faithfully stood beside her husband, supporting the vision God had entrusted to him.

Mother Hall loved being surrounded by family and the saints of God. During her years of ministry, the Temple Specials were organized, adding another treasured dimension to the church's music ministry.

While serving as First Lady, she also served as President of the Choir. She believed that music ministry was sacred and insisted upon excellence, often reminding the choir that they were ministering unto the Lord. Her expectation of preparation and precision challenged generations of singers to give God their very best. Pastor and Mother impacted countless lives through their leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel until Pastor Hall's transition on May 2, 1990.

Her Continued Journey

Following the passing of her beloved husband, Mother Hall remained a faithful pillar of Grace Temple Church of God in Christ. She was honored annually during Co-Founder’s Day celebrations and continued serving under the leadership of the late Pastor James Hall, Jr., the late Elder John Hall, Sr., and currently Pastor Paul Hayes.

On March 17, 2003, she married Deacon Leander Tarver, blending their families, and continuing to build a home centered on love, faith, and fellowship.  Through this union, Virginia continued to demonstrate the attributes of love that are derived from I Corinthians 13:4-7.  Deacon Tarver is the first to declare, "My wife LOVED God!"

Her Comforts

Mother Hall-Tarver found joy in singing praises to God, serving others through cosmetology, preparing delicious meals, and lovingly caring for the saints. Her warm smile, encouraging words, and generous heart made everyone feel welcomed and loved.

Her Family

Mother Virginia Blondell Hall-Tarver leaves to cherish her precious memory: her devoted husband, Deacon Leander Tarver of Fort Wayne, Indiana; her beloved daughters, Cynthia Gardner of Fort Wayne, Indiana; her bonus children: Gerald (Wendi) Wyatt of Columbus, Georgia, Deborah Burrus of Baltimore, Maryland; and Charles Tarver of Atlanta, Georgia; her cherished grandchildren, Virginia Hall, James Francisco Hall, Daryl Burnett, Jr., Jamar Burnett, Dontae Burnett, Sr., James Gardner, Jr., James Hall III, Keisa Murchinson, Sean McGuire, Torri Green, Jaquella Nellems, and Jamisha Matthews; her beloved godchildren; Elder Curtis Daniels, Lee Britton, Sabrina Holiness,  and Angela Britton; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends; her devoted caregivers, Sabrina Holiness, Jasanea Holiness-Carmichael,  and Mary Cobbins; and a loving support system that faithfully stood beside her throughout the years, including Vivian, Donyell Smith, Sr., Keisa Murchinson, Pastor and Sister Hayes, Bishop Gary Bush, Sr., Evangelist Lee Schohl, Sister Pat Lawson, Evangelist Maureen Joseph, Liza Perry, Bernice Moore, Gail, Georgia, June, and Sister Ethel Hill.

Her Family Members Preceded in Death

Mother Hall-Tarver was preceded in death by her beloved first husband, Superintendent James L. Hall, Sr.; her son, Elder James L. Hall, Jr.; her siblings, Louise Brown, Evangelist Virgie Tramell, Elder Carletos Rush, Sr., Ellis Rush, Pauline Scott, Celestine Scott, and Lillian Scott; her grandson, Javon Burnett, Sr.; her great-granddaughter, Janyla Rogan-Burnett; her godchildren, Prophet Bobby Dawson, and Vernice Dandridge-Jones.

Her Final Tribute

Mother Virginia Blondell Hall-Tarver lived a life that reflected Christ through faith, family, music, service, and love. She embodied the nurturing heart of a godly mother, faithfully pouring wisdom, compassion, and encouragement into her family, her church, and everyone blessed to know her.

The love she shared is beautifully captured in God's Word:

"Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her."       Proverbs 31:28

Her unwavering love also reminds us of the comforting promise found in Isaiah:

"As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you."
 Isaiah 66:13

Mother Hall-Tarver's legacy will continue to inspire generations. Though she will be deeply missed, her life echoes the triumphant testimony of the Apostle Paul:

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."
2 Timothy 4:7

Mother Virginia Blondell Hall-Tarver transitioned on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at home surrounded and loved by family members