Sept. 4, 1942 Feb. 27, 2025
Lydia Anne Hall was born September 4, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois to Mary Jane Rice and John Rice. After a courageous four-year battle with cancer, she went to be with her Heavenly Father on February 27, 2025.
Lydia grew up in Harrisburg, Illinois and graduated from Harrisburg High School. She was a good student who enjoyed school, especially participating as a drummer in the high school band and as a member of the choir.
She attended Southern Illinois University where she majored in English.
As the daughter of the town librarian, her early years were shaped by the love and importance of reading.
While attending college in Carbondale, she began dating the love of her life, Gerald Hall. They were married the following year.
Lydia gracefully undertook many roles during her lifetime: daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, real estate agent, police dispatcher, and her favorite role, Lala.
She was passionate about mastering the skills of anything she pursued. Whether a professional or personal task, she took great pride in her work.
Her hobbies included needlepointing, tending to her plants and flowers, enjoying her koi pond, and cheering on her beloved Oklahoma Sooners.
One of Lydia’s first professional endeavors was being a real estate agent. She enjoyed helping young couples become new homeowners in Cordell and the surrounding areas.
Middle age brought a career change and a big surprise to the family when she entered the police academy to become a certified police officer. She received her CLEET training in Oklahoma City and became the dispatcher for the Cordell police department. She would go on to spend over 25 years as a dispatcher. However, she was most proud of her instrumental role in bringing 911 to Cordell. She understood the significance of the service and used her familiarity of the Cordell residents to provide aid in their times of need.
Lydia’s church family and friends at the United Methodist Church of Cordell brought her much happiness and delight. She served in numerous roles as an active member of the church and especially cherished her role as a member of the choir. Lydia also enjoyed singing for numerous years in the citywide Christmas Cantatas.
Lydia is survived by her loving husband, Gerald, of 63 years; her son Greg Hall, daughter- in-law Emily, and grandchildren Grace and Caroline of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and her son Garrick Hall of Los Angeles, California. She also leaves behind her cherished children Grady Coburn and his children Arianna, Carson, Gretta, and Daniel of Weatherford, Oklahoma; and Stephanie Suttles and her husband Jason, and their children Lillian and Mason of Mustang, Oklahoma. She was preceded in death by her mother Mary Jane Rice.
Many thanks to Dr. Debra Richardson and her wonderful colleagues at Stephenson Cancer Care at OU Health, as well as the dedicated and compassionate nurses at OU Medical Hospital. Lastly, thank you to the angels of Com Heritage and Traditions Hospice for their love and care.