John Bligh
- Teacher
- PS 152, the Bronx
Melissa Vanessa Hall, a kindergarten teacher at PS 152 in the South Bronx, “worked with passion, integrity and determination, making such an impact on the lives of the students and families she served,” said Chapter Leader Jasmine Chandoo. Melissa died on Aug. 5, 2021, after battling a carcinoid tumor for 10 years. She was 45.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Melissa immigrated to New York during her sophomore year of high school and settled with her family in Mount Vernon. A middle child in a large family, a position she did not relish, Melissa had a great appreciation of all that America had to offer, said her sister Patricia Scafe.
From a young age, Melissa frowned upon bullies and would often defend those they targeted, her sister said.
Melissa first attended Dominican College to study biology and nursing but soon questioned that calling. She took a part-time summer job as a bank teller to figure out her future, and found that future in education and in the church. She was baptized in adulthood as a Seventh Day Adventist and participated in many different ministries, said her sister. She loved telling stories to children in Sabbath School.
Melissa earned her bachelor’s degree in education and her master’s degree in special education at the College of New Rochelle.
“Melissa was born to teach and enjoyed teaching inner city children,” said Scafe. “She often felt connected to the children and their humble beginnings.”
She was so passionate about the success of her students, said Scafe, that at a doctor’s appointment just two months before she died, Melissa asked if she could finish watching her class graduate instead of discussing her health.
Chandoo described Melissa, a UFT member for six years, as a dedicated educator whose love for learning and growing professionally was evident in her teaching. “She will be remembered by many for her no nonsense personality, undeniable strength, and her commitment to bringing out the best in her students,” Chandoo said.
Her family is establishing a foundation in Melissa’s name to benefit intellectually challenged children.
Melissa loved knitting and crocheting, drawing, cooking and photography, and she was obsessed with sneakers.
“She will be greatly missed by her PS 152 family,” said Chandoo. “We are grateful for the opportunity to have crossed paths with her.”
In addition to Scafe and her husband Rohan, Melissa is survived by her mother, Laurel Lewis; her father, Waveland Hall; her stepfather, Herman Lewis; brothers Steve Hall and Clive McFarlane and his wife Dawn; sisters Sandra Hall, Dionne Hall, Sophia Hall and Kerrie-Anne Hall; a stepsister and stepbrothers; and extended family and church family.
Condolences may be sent to Scafe and Lewis at 128 Ardenlee Drive, Peachtree City, Georgia 30213.
She was all about her Heavenly Father’s business; Loved the Lord, Loved to work for Him and preached very well too. No nonsense individual with a heart like Jesus’. Sleep on beautiful! He’s almost here.
Amazing woman of faith . Thank you so much for posting and sharing.
Melissa will always be in our hearts. Melissa cared deeply about the success or her students.