Minnell “Minnie,” Hall-Bage was born in Brooklyn, New York on August 21, 1954 to Lillie Hall and James I. Bage. On the morning of August 9, 2020, with family by her side, Minnie peacefully passed-away at Sentara Hospice House-Virginia Beach, Virginia; Minnie was 66 years old. 

After working for many years, Minnie retired from Paine Webber and moved to Surry County, Virginia to be closer to her family.  Minnie could often be found coloring, cooking, watching reality cooking shows, gardening around the house, and taking care of her dog Chester (deceased). Minnie was a proud volunteer at The James Town Settlement as well as other community organizations. 

Minnell was preceded in death by her mother, Lillie Hall. She leaves behind a grieving father, James I. Bage Sr.; siblings James Bage Jr. (Esther), Margaret Bage-Greer, Michelle Bage, Oscar Hall, Richard Hall, Doreen Hall, Desiree Hall; nieces Brittney Anderson, Khara Bage; nephews Malik Greer, James Bage III “Trey”; great-niece Finley-Khalia Rose Brickhouse; special cousins Loretta Kelly, and Richard “Mickey” (deceased) Kelly (Brenda), along with a host of other relatives and friends. 

The family would like to thank the Sentara family of Doctors, Nurses, and the entire Sentara staff for the loving care they provided Minnie.  We would also like to thank all those who have sent their love and deepest condolences for our loss.  

The Dash

I read of a man who stood to speak

At the funeral of a friend

He referred to the dates on her tombstone

From the beginning to the end

He noted that first came the date of her birth

And spoke the following date with tears,

But he said what mattered most of all

Was the dash between those years

For that dash represents all the time

That she spent alive on earth.

And now only those who loved her

Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own.

The cars, the house, the cash,

What matters is how we live and love

And how we spend our dash.

–Linda Ellis