You’re reading a story from Sidelines 100, a project showcasing a century of student storytelling at Middle Tennessee State University. Sidelines 100 plans to highlight 100 stories from the newspaper archives this fall and spring.

This story originally ran in the March 11, 1991, edition of Sidelines. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay on top of all things Sidelines 100.

The story has been updated for current basic AP style, but the wording in the story has not changed. Any ideas, perspectives or opinions do not necessarily reflect those of Sidelines.

Mary Ella Hall, for whom Miss Mary dormitory was named for, died after a short illness at the age of 95 Wednesday.

Services for Hall were held Saturday at Woodfin Funeral Home. She was buried in the Hal family cemetery at Piedmont, at the farm where she was raised.

Hall was dedicated to education, and was a teacher and administrator for 50 years. Her teaching career began in 1918. She received her degrees from George Peabody College and was named first state superintendent of elementary schools, a position she held for 10 years. 

She later taught sixth grade at the Campus School and taught classes for the School Education. She was part-time dean of women in 1948 and became an associate professor of education in 1949. 

Hall originally retired in 1960 but was called out of retirement twice after that to teach education courses here.

She was also believed to have been the oldest living graduate of Middle Tennessee Normal School, the predecessor of Middle Tennessee State University.