Elizabeth Jean Hall

Elizabeth Jean “Betty Jean” (Zihala) Hall, 69, passed on May 15, 2023, in Alexandria, Virginia. She was born on October 1, 1953, to the late Bettyann P. (Freeman) and Robert Zihala and raised in Orange/West Orange, New Jersey. Known throughout her life as “Betty Jean,” she graduated from Mountain High School and pursued her interest in fashion and design at the Traphagen School of Fashion in New York City. After graduation, she moved to Los Angeles, where she worked as a production pattern maker in women’s clothing for several companies in the fashion district. While in California, Betty Jean met Gary Hall, a naval officer stationed there, whom she would marry in 1979. The frequent cross-country moves involved in Navy life meant shifting her career focus to freelance fashion work. She continued to excel at her craft, becoming a designer and production pattern maker for GOBELLE women’s sportswear. Her Spring line was selected as Road Runner magazine’s best Spring women’s sportswear. She was selected to design, produce, and fit outfits for the NBA San Diego Clippers cheerleading team. Later, being a dedicated full-time mother to her children, Cheryl and Robert, became her primary focus. While doing so, she still found ways to utilize her passion and craftmanship in clothing design. Examples of her unique skills were in winning first place at the Woodlawn Plantation Needlework show, smocking and creating outfits for her family, doing countless alterations for friends, and saving the day for many a bride on their wedding day. She could disassemble a garment and re-size it with ease, which always amazed the recipient. She annually altered uniforms for the entire Mount Vernon High School marching band and also found time to work at a women’s clothing store and at Mount Vernon Travel. Betty Jean was kind, thoughtful, and a loving friend to all, generously giving her time to improve the lives of those around her. She initiated a childcare group during church masses. She was continually active in the parent-teacher organizations at every school Cheryl and Robert attended and twice took on the responsibility of leading the Senior Class parents. She was the instrumental guiding force in rebuilding a kayak storage area and accompanying beach/park area which is now enjoyed by so many. Strongly rooted in her Catholic faith, Betty Jean always saw the good in others and resisted the easy path of giving up on people. It is inconceivable to most the stress and pain she quietly endured and rarely revealed while undergoing 8 ½ years of chemo treatments. During this challenging time, she still embraced life’s joys. She enjoyed watercolor painting, photography, kayaking, and her tricks and treasures for her grandkids. Betty Jean also very much loved vacationing with family in Stone Harbor, NJ. She was an adventure seeker who brought so much joy and happiness to those who joined in. Betty Jean particularly admired the nuns at the Poor Clares Monastery in Alexandria, VA and enjoyed actively supporting them through volunteer activities. She always practiced her faith and was thankful for each day and each person she met. Betty Jean is survived by Gary, her husband of 44 years; their daughter Cheryl Fiest (husband Greg, Tommy 9, and Kate 6;) son Robert (wife Carissa, Michael 2, and Evelyn 7 months); and siblings William Zihala (Diane), Eileen Harkins (Jim), Kathleen Zihala, and James Zihala. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom she loved very much. A memorial prayer service will be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Alexandria, VA on June 16th at 10:30AM. A private interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Poor Clares Monastery 2505 Stone Hedge Dr, Alexandria, VA 22306.

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Elizabeth Jean Hall

October 1, 1953 - May 15, 2023