News Summary
Margo Hall, Tallahassee’s first female principal of Leon High School, passed away at 84. Her four-decade career inspired countless students and fellow educators. Hall’s influence extended beyond the classroom, impacting community and educational standards across Florida. Her dedication to teaching and mentoring left a lasting legacy.
Tallahassee, Florida — Margo Hall, a significant figure in the educational landscape of Tallahassee and the first female principal of Leon High School, passed away on August 1 at the age of 84. Her dedication to teaching and influence on countless students marked a distinguished career that spanned over four decades.
Throughout her career, Hall served not only as a Latin teacher but also in various administrative roles, ultimately becoming the principal of Leon High School from 2001 to 2005. Under her leadership, she earned multiple accolades and was recognized for her outstanding contributions to education. In addition to her tenure at Leon High, she taught at Godby High School, Lincoln High School, and Trinity Catholic School and held various positions, including Dean of Students and Assistant Principal.
Hall was born in Jacksonville, Florida, and later raised in Chattahoochee. A bright student, she attended St. Joseph Academy in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, and received a full scholarship to Barry College (now Barry University), where she majored in English, Latin, and history, graduating summa cum laude. She later earned a Master’s degree in Latin from Florida State University. She began her teaching career in 1971 after returning to Tallahassee with her family.
Over her lengthy career, Hall developed a reputation for sparking enthusiasm in the classroom, inspiring students, and mentoring fellow educators. She was awarded the Outstanding Teacher Award from the Education Committee of the State in 1987 and was a finalist for Florida Teacher of the Year in 1989. Colleagues frequently noted her vitality and enthusiasm for teaching, particularly her ability to engage students with the subject matter.
Notably, Hall contributed to the creation of statewide classroom standards for the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools (SACS). After her time at Leon High, she continued her educational journey at St. John Paul II High School until retiring in 2015.
In addition to her educational work, Hall was a dedicated community member. She actively participated in various educational associations, served as President of the Tallahassee Junior League, and was involved with the Tallahassee Garden Club and the Board of the Tallahassee Junior Museum. Her commitment to her local community extended to mentoring others and hosting gatherings at her home.
Family was paramount in Hall’s life. She is survived by her son Michael, his wife Allison, and her daughter-in-law Sherry, as well as her grandchildren, RJ Hall and Nick Hall. Her son described her as “an engine of action” and noted her profound impact on their family and the community. Hall also engaged deeply in her Roman Catholic faith, serving as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Thomas More Co-Cathedral.
Hall’s passion for education extended beyond the classroom; she was a lover of travel, historical fiction, and nature, reflecting a well-rounded character that resonated with those around her. Her mantra, “Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can,” guided her life and was evident in her work and relationships.
A rosary service is planned for August 23, followed by a funeral mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More, where friends and family will gather to honor her remarkable legacy as an educator, mentor, and community leader who touched the lives of many.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Margo Hall Obituary
- Dignity Memorial: Margo Hall
- Tallahassee.com: Obituary 1
- Tallahassee.com: Obituary 2
- Legacy.com: Margarite Hall Obituary
- Wikipedia: Margo Hall
- Google Search: Margo Hall
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
