Dr. Margaret Jean "Margot" Hall, 84, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026. A woman of intellect, warmth, and steadfast devotion, she lived a life dedicated to learning, teaching, and the relationships that mattered most to her.

Born on March 25, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Margaret Wheeler Hall and Robert King Hall. She shared a lifelong bond with her siblings, including her beloved brother, Marshall King Hall, who preceded her in death, and her cherished sister, Louise "Whee" Chaffin of Marietta, Georgia.

She is also survived by her niece, Sherry Culves and her husband, John Culves, of Roswell, Georgia, and their children, Will and Riley Culves; her niece, Tracy Wilson of Marietta, Georgia, and her children, Courtney and Ryland Wilson; and her nephew, Robert "Mark" Chaffin of Marietta, Georgia. She held her extended family especially close and took great joy in their lives, milestones, and accomplishments.

Dr. Hall earned both her undergraduate degree and Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a master's degree in between at the University of Denver. She went on to a distinguished academic career as a Professor of Clinical Biochemistry at the University of Southern Mississippi in the field of medical laboratory science, where she served for 35 years until her retirement in 2020. She was known for her intellectual rigor, high standards, and, above all, her deep and abiding love for her students, often going to great lengths to support their learning. Teaching was not simply her profession, but her calling.

In her early years, she was an accomplished ballerina, a discipline that reflected the poise and refinement she carried into all that followed. She was also an avid traveler, with a keen appreciation for culture, art, and the distinctive character of places around the world. She had an eye for meaningful objects and fine details, often bringing home pieces that reflected the places she had been and the stories she carried with her.

She maintained a lifelong connection to Castine, Maine, where her family home had stood for generations and where she spent her summers in her youth, returning often throughout her life. Castine remained deeply meaningful to her, and it brought her great comfort to know she would one day return there.

She will be remembered for her vivid storytelling and the remarkable, often extraordinary experiences she shared—from encounters abroad to moments of humor and resilience in her travels. Whether recalling narrow escapes or unexpected adventures, her stories were told with a characteristic blend of dignity and subtle wit, and often grew just a bit more colorful with each telling, much to the delight of her family.

Though she never married, her life was rich with family and enduring friendships. She was deeply devoted to those closest to her and was cherished in return by many lifelong friends whom she loved dearly.

A private family service will be held. In accordance with her wishes, she will be laid to rest in her family's plot in Castine, Maine, beside her parents.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may honor her memory by supporting educational initiatives or institutions dedicated to the advancement of science and learning.