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Many celebrate the life of reference librarian

 

 

A Grambling State University employee with over 14 years of experience was killed in a car accident.

Maraine Hall, 56, a GSU reference librarian from Jonesboro, was pronounced dead at the scene of a car accident on a busy intersection that connects U.S. 167 with La. 155 near Quitman early Wednesday, April 2.

Hall was attempting to enter the intersection when she pulled in front of 49-year-old Monroe native Michael Cunningham’s car. Cunningham was said to have sustained minor injures from the crash. 

“She was very sweet, humble, smart, and always willing to assist. Ms. Hall didn’t mind sparing any function to make sure it was a success. She was often soft-spoken, but her work ethic painted a large picture of who she really was,” said Yolanda Wilson, a GSU staff assistant in the Office of Sponsor Programs. 

Hall was a very intelligent woman who took her education and job very seriously. Hall was a great example of an over achiever, and an uncelebrated scholar.  The reference librarian received multiple degrees from two universities: a Master of Science in Library Science, 2005 from Clarion University Clarion, PA; a master of arts in liberal studies, 1997 from Grambling State University; and a bachelor of science, institution management, 1979, also from GSU.

Hall began her journey as a Tiger at GSU in 2007, where she took the position as a reference librarian and an assistant professor at A.C. Lewis Memorial Library. An average day for Hall was spent providing assistance to faculty, students, and other patrons at either the information desk,  through e-mail, or by telephone. 

She assisted in developing strategies and proposals aimed at enhancing the reference area. Students often use this area to study.

Many in the community are shocked to hear the news of the well-known GSU reference librarian’s passing. Though she often worked quietly at her desk, her personality and her generosity spoke very loudly. 

“She was a sweet lady,” said Ibraheen Farmer a freshman from Natchitoches. “I would always speak to her and ask her how she was doing. I don’t believe this happened.”  

“I use to work in the library and Ms. Hall was always extremely helpful and sweet. She used to sit at the reference desk and welcome everyone and let them know she was there if they needed help with anything,” said Jessica Wright, a graduate mass communication major from Mesquite, Texas.

“She was nice to everyone no matter who it was, she was pleasant to be around and will truly be missed,” said Tyquincia Marshall, a junior biology major from Baton Rouge.  

Hall was born April 29, 1957 and passed away April 2, 2014. The viewing of her body was April 5, and was her funeral was Sunday April 6 at 2:30 p.m. Both of the services were held at Bethany Baptist Church in Quitman

Hall was a wise woman of faith, and will sure enough be missed by her family, friends, co-workers, students and many more. Hall was more than a reference librarian she was a motivational speaker and an unforgettable teacher who taught lessons throughout her lifetime.