May 29, 1927 - May 22, 2013. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in his way. Psalm 37:23. John Darnell Hall, the fifth of 12 children and the youngest son of Elder Lewis and Mother Betty Hall, was born May 29, 1927 in East Chicago, Ind.. In 1942, at age 15, John moved with his family to Kokomo, Ind. That year, his father, Elder Lewis J. Hall, founded the Kennedy Street Church - the first Church of God in Christ (COGIC) - in Kokomo where John would spend a great deal of his life.. John Darnell Hall graduated from Kokomo High School and later moved to Los Angeles, Calif. There, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served during the Korean conflict. During a COGIC Youth Congress in San Francisco, John met Ardola Nann Graves. They were united in holy matrimony on Oct. 21, 1949. To their union one daughter was born, Etiwanda Yvonne Hall. Ardola passed away in Aug 1996, following 47 years of marriage.. In his early working years, John was a hod carrier for his lifelong friends, the Harrisons at H & H Plastering. John retired from Continental Steel Corporation after 28 years of employment. He exhibited a wonderful work ethic; he was always on time and was the best wire drawer in his department. He was strong and it was often said he was a small piece of leather, but well put together.. A lifetime dedicated to service can summarize the loyal and uncompromising steps of this man. He was always available for any task. He was the Sunday School Superintendent and a great Bible teacher, known for his humorous but delving Socratic teaching method.. In the Church's early days, he would lead testimony service with the aid of his tambourine to carry the service. He was a gifted pianist and graced the keys with his unique 40s-50s era jazz, ragtime, gospel style. His powerful voice made him a popular vocalist, often sought out to lead, teach and direct songs. He was a songwriter and a poet. He founded and was a key member of many musical groups, including the Revelators (later known as The Hall Singers) and Grace Memorial Angelic Choir. A self-taught church musician, he was the originator of the COGIC Northern Indiana State Choir, now known as the C.E. Bennett Memorial Choir. After his father's demise, Superintendent Hall worked under the leadership of his brother, Bishop Milton L. Hall, and was promoted to Assistant Pastor. He and his brother worked together, lifting beams to help erect Grace Memorial COGIC.. On Oct. 30, 1994, Elder Hall was appointed Pastor of Grace Temple COGIC, Ft. Wayne, Ind. He led the congregation for more than 13 years before his retirement and return to Kokomo. While Pastor, he was promoted to district superintendent, serving seven years.. Elder John Hall was wed to Dr. Ray Margaret Jackson by Bishop Samuel Duncan at Lansing COGIC, Lansing, Mich., in November 1999. During the thirteen and one half years of their marriage, she lovingly cared for him, was his travel companion and friend. "GG," as she is affectionately known, made a comfortable home and was a great hostess to their friends and family. Everyone knows she loved her "John-John" and was by his side until he slipped away.. The earthly life of Superintendent John Darnell Hall came to a gentle close at 12:07 p.m., May 22, 2013, in his home, surrounded by his family.. Loved ones who survive to cherish his memory include his wife, Dr. Ray Margaret Hall, Kokomo; his daughter, Lady Etiwanda Yvonne (Pastor Harry L.) Beard, Kokomo; two stepsons, Howard (Kay) Witherspoon, Minneapolis, Minn. and William Bruce (Mary) Witherspoon, Lansing, Mich.; grandchildren, Dr. Devona Renee (Benjamin) Anderson, Kokomo, Rana Danielle (Julian) Dotson, Ft. Washington, Md., DeAndra Rochelle Beard and Jeremy Larnell Beard, Kokomo; great-grandchildren, Jaina Grace Dotson, Jedaiah Zorian Beard, Caleb Augustus Dotson and Isaiah Elon Dotson; step-grandchildren, Matthew Bartrom, Ohio, Jason and Adam Witherspoon, Minn., Barbara (Charles) Bailey, Ohio, Elizabeth (Dave) Main, Mich.; sisters, Miriam Elizabeth Wilson, Alice Jean Washington, Dorothy Sue Joseph, Charlotte Ann Corbett and Louise Jeanette James; sisters-in-law, Julia Mae Hall and Virginia Hall-Tarver, Ind.; along with a host of relatives and friends.