Shirley Dolores Hall

Shirley Dolores Hall (née Achenback), 92, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025, in DeLand, Florida.

Born on July 12, 1932, at Emergency Hospital in Annapolis, Maryland, Shirley spent her early years in Annapolis, graduating from Annapolis Senior High School with the Class of 1950. Following her passion for helping others, she pursued a career in nursing, earning her Registered Nurse certification from Union Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Baltimore, Maryland, in October 1953.

Throughout her life, Shirley lived in many places—including Annapolis, Mayo, and Ridgely, Maryland; De Leon Springs, Florida; Winchester and Romney, West Virginia; and Rideley, West Virginia—before settling again in DeLand, Florida. She served as an RN at Anne Arundel Memorial Hospital (Annapolis, MD), the Annapolis Health Department, Hampshire Memorial Hospital (Romney, WV), and West Volusia Memorial Hospital (DeLand, FL). In 1978, she became registered with the American Red Cross as a Registered Nurse, further extending her ability to support those in need through both clinical and emergency care.

Shirley was a life member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and the United Methodist Women, and she remained deeply involved in church life wherever she lived. A true adventurer, she traveled to all 50 states and enjoyed cruising to destinations around the world. Active in her community, Shirley found joy in giving back and connecting with those around her.

A gifted seamstress, Shirley was known for crafting beautiful Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, knitting blankets and sweaters for hospital nurseries, quilting, and sewing. She was also an avid reader and embraced every opportunity to stay engaged and creative.

On September 3, 1955, Shirley married the love of her life, Robert T. M. Hall, Sr. Their marriage was a strong and loving bond that lasted 62 years until Robert’s passing on January 3, 2017. Shirley was the beloved daughter of Walton Wells Achenback and Kathryn Brown Achenback.

She is survived by her son, Robert T. M. Hall, Jr. of Millersville, Maryland; her daughter, Elizabeth "Liz" Whitaker (Jim) of De Leon Springs, Florida; and her cherished granddaughter, Kathyrn Rose Rogas (AJ) of Baltimore, Maryland. She is preceded in death by her brother Richard Achenback.

Shirley’s spirit and kindness are beautifully reflected in her favorite sentiment:"Make each day happy for you in a very special way. And may the future always hold the very best things too."

Shirley will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, Florida.