Lou Ann Miskelly (Hall)

Tupelo, Mississippi--- Mrs. Lou Ann Hall Miskelly 79, entered the Church triumphant on July 27, 2016. She was born September 30, 1936, in New Albany, Mississippi to the late Roy Wesley and Nadine Gadd Hall of Hickory Flat. She attended the public schools of that village where her teachers not only recognized her keen intellect, but also instilled in her a passion for education that would last a lifetime. Her desire for knowledge would lead her to receive a Bachelor of Education from Blue Mountain College and a Master of Education from the University of Mississippi where she would also complete the course work required for a doctoral degree. During 4-H club congress at Mississippi State College in 1952, she met the love of her life the late Lester Ruck Miskelly. They eloped together in the summer of 1954. This impulsive marriage lasted more that 49 years until Ruck's passing in 2003. Their union produced two children, a son, William Hall "Rocky" of Columbus and a daughter Nancy Ann who preceded them in death. Lou Ann was a faithful resident of Tippah County beginning in 1960. She dedicated her life to the South Tippah School District and to the education of children for over 49 yeas. During those years, she served as a classroom teacher and principal at Blue Mountain Elementary School. Later she was Director of the district's Chapter I Program and was subsequently named Assistant District Superintendent and Federal Programs coordinator. During her long and distinguished career she was also a friend, adviser and confidante to many a student, teacher and administrator. Her professional career was based on her desire to better students and to improve the South Tippah School District. She was known far and wide as an expert in school law and could quote chapter and verse. She was also known for her meticulous Board Minutes. Before becoming a year-round employee of the school district she taught summer school at Blue Mountain College, as an adjunct professor in the College of Education where she taught would be teachers how to teach children to read. She was a favorite of her students who would fill her classes on the day registration opened. Her most requested class was "teaching literature to children'. It was also her favorite as she not only believed a persons reading ability was the foundational key to success in all avenues of life, she also thought reading should not only be functional and enriching, must enjoyable as well. O all her accomplishments in life, one of the things she held dearest, was the mentoring and promotion of those who came behind her. She treasured her relationship with her own mentor the late Pauline Jackson. Lou Ann was extremely proud of the women she taught, mentored and promoted in the South Tippah district especially those she worked with in the district office who she often referred to as "my girls". A great conversationalist, Lou Ann was seldom without comment on most any topic of interest in politics, religion, education, or sport and usually had an informed opinion, which she would defend with vigor. She was an avid reader, a political junkie, and she relished real crime dramas. She could frequently be found watching television and reading a book at the same time, while simultaneously crocheting and talking on the phone. Lou Ann was a dedicated and faithful member of First United Methodist Church in Ripley, MS. She was a greatly loved United Methodist Youth Fellowship counselor as she served in that capacity across two decades. She supported her church, its mission, and her pastors in all things. Lou Ann is survived by her son Rocky Miskelly (Raigan)of Columbus, MS; sister, Betty Hall Robbins of Tupelo, MS; and five grandchildren: Robert Brooks Maddox (Sara) of Jackson, MS; Walker Hall Miskelly of Wesley Grantham Miskelly of Tupelo, MS; Oliver Wright Miskelly and Maguire Elizabeth Miskelly both of Columbus, MS. To send flowers to the family of Lou Ann Miskelly (Hall), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Lou Ann Miskelly (Hall)

September 30, 1936 - July 27, 2016