Mrs. Dorothy Lee Hall-Toon

Dorothy Lee Hall-Toon “Sweetie”, 75, was born on March 19, 1950, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. She passed away peacefully on Monday, November 24, 2025, at her home in Newport News, VA.

She is survived by her two daughters, Rhonda Christian (Arthur) and Renata Hall-Pittman (Jonathan), and her son Earl Pearson.
Her grandchildren: Shakir Christian, Sheldon Mullen, Da’Quan Christian, Iyonna Christian, Ta’yonna Christian, David Cruz Jr., Nadiana Cruz, Earl Pearson Jr., Jeremiah Pearson, Jayana Pittman, and Jonathan Pittman.
Her great-granddaughter Heaven Mullen.

She also leaves behind her bonus grandchildren,  Angel Warfield Mullen, Hannah Williams, Kayla Butler, and Paul Jones, and a special son, Carcione Hardy.

Dorothy is further survived by her brothers, Elijah Porter Jr. (Ernestine), Willie Lee Porter (Marie), and Earl Porter (Victoria); her sister-in-laws, Lossie Hall, Jeanette Clark, Carolyn Foster, Angela Kessouh, and Selma Toon. She leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends whom she cherished deeply.

She was preceded in death by her husband Donald Toon; her parents Elijah Porter Sr. and Hattie Howard Porter; her brothers Johnny Porter, James Porter, and Robert “Boot” Porter; her sisters Mamie Porter Smith and Hattie Lee Porter; nephews Michael Porter, Kenneth Smith, Jason Hall, and Timothy Porter Sr.; a devoted best friend Bazel  Washington; and a bonus son David Cruz Sr.

A Life of Love, Strength, and Faith

Dorothy was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Born and raised in Rocky Mount, North Carolina;  she brought warmth, strength, and compassion to everyone blessed to know her. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1968.

On April 26, 1968, she married Lewis Hall, and shortly after their marriage, she moved to Hampton,  Virginia, where they made their home in Cherry Acres. While living there, Dorothy formed deep, meaningful connections and maintained a close bond with  the Malloy, Knight and Stanley families—relationships that became like extended family and remained dear to her throughout her life. While living there, they attended the Fox Hill Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, gaining lifelong spiritual family and many cherished friendships. While she shared wonderful relationships with many in the congregations she attended, there was an unwavering friendship throughout the years with the Hagan, Howard, Johnson, and Morris families.

After their divorce, Dorothy remained close with his sisters, building bonds that lasted a lifetime.

In 1998, Dorothy got remarried to Donald Toon. Through this union, she welcomed her son Earl Pearson with open arms and a loving heart.

Her Work and Her Spirit

Dorothy was a woman of natural creativity, skill, and kindness. She graduated from Madame Daniel’s School of Beauty Culture, and early in her career she worked closely with a beloved, mother-like figure, Hazel King, who deeply influenced and encouraged her in her hairstyling journey.

Dorothy became well-known in the community for doing a fabulous Jheri curl, a style that many trusted her to do perfectly every time.

She also loved to dress, stay fashionable, and get her nails done. She became very fond of the Lyn Nails crew, who quickly became like a second family to her. The same was true for the friends she made while driving the school bus—Her bus family was another source of joy. She formed a special friendship with the Wooten family during her years driving for Hampton City Schools. She drove alongside her cousin, Mary Johnson and dear friends Mary Boone and Linda Mason, who held a meaningful place in her life. She truly loved her bus community—and she especially loved her Bus #18.

Although she enjoyed doing hair, it was truly driving the school bus that brought her the greatest satisfaction. Her steady presence and warm nature made her beloved by the children and families she served, many of whom remembered her fondly for years.

Her Faith

Dorothy’s spiritual dedication was the foundation of her life. She was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on July 21, 1974, and faithfully attended the Kingdom Hall for as long as her health allowed.

After suffering a stroke in 2010, her health limited her physically, but never spiritually. When she could no longer attend meetings in person, she made sure to stay connected by watching her meetings and conventions online, continuing her worship with unwavering love for Jehovah.

Her Legacy

Family was Dorothy’s heartbeat. She adored her children and grandchildren, and she had a special gift for making everyone she loved feel valued and embraced. Her kindness, strength, and compassion touched countless lives.

During her years of illness, Dorothy was blessed with the constant, patient care of her daughter Rhonda and son-in-law Arthur Christian III (“Chris”), who lovingly stood by her side every day. Their devotion allowed Dorothy to remain surrounded with dignity, comfort, and family.

Dorothy faced her challenges with courage and determination. Her absence leaves a profound void, but her legacy of love, faith, resilience, and generosity continues to shine through everyone she touched. May her memory bring comfort, her example bring strength, and her love remain forever in our hearts.

It is the desire of the Hall-Toon  family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of Mrs. Dorothy Lee Hall-Toon has entrusted her final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home.

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