Mrs. Norene Dené (Hall) Travis

Norene Dené Hall was born on March 19, 1956, in Saginaw, Michigan, to William Tom Hall and Sharron Yvette Smith Hall. Affectionately known as “VC” and “Rene,” Norene was a beloved sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Surrounded by her loving family on June 3, 2025, at Covenant Cooper Hospital, she was peacefully reunited with her parents and her husband, Tracy Travis. A lifelong resident of Saginaw, Norene graduated from Saginaw High School, Class of 1974. She began her professional journey at Michigan National Bank before joining General Motors on May 31, 1977. At the time of her passing, she was in her 48th year of dedicated service and a proud member of UAW Local 668. During a layoff from GM, Norene pursued her passion for cosmetology and became a licensed barber. Barbering was more than a profession for Norene—it was her ministry. She found joy in cutting the hair of young boys and watching them grow into confident young men. She also served older clients and made home visits to those who were shut in. Her barbershop chair was a place of trust, laughter, and transformation. Norene was “old school” at heart. She preferred the simplicity of the past, never embracing social media or even FaceTime. She loved classic TV shows and movies, with Gunsmoke being one of her favorites. Though she had no children of her own, Norene had a heart big enough for many. She poured love, wisdom, and generosity into the lives of her siblings, nieces, nephews, and their children, playing a vital role in raising and nurturing them. She was the keeper of family traditions, especially through her cooking. Norene lovingly prepared cherished recipes passed down from her grandmother and father, making her kitchen the heart of many family gatherings. A devoted member of Bethel AME Church, Norene served faithfully on the Usher Board and as a dedicated driver for the Van Ministry. She was always ready to lend a hand and uplift others. Norene leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and service. She is survived by her four sisters, Stephanie Hall, Barbara (Kenneth) Reynolds of Saginaw, MI, Cordelia Gonzalez of Lansing, MI, and Sharron Hall of Redford, MI; one brother, Thelonious Brent (Jackie) Hall of Issaquah, WA. She also leaves to cherish her memory 11 nieces and nephews, whom she considered her own, Charice (Sebastian) Manley, Sylvester Bandy II, Sidney (Gavin) Bandy, Shelbi (Phillip) White, Chelsea Hall, Charon Reynolds, Miguel Gonzalez, Jasmine Hall, Samara Gonzalez, and Bria Hall. Norene will be dearly missed by her great-nieces and nephews, Amara, Sebastian Jr., Saniya, Payeton, Jewel, Noah, Thelonious, Nala, Brodie, Brohnx, and Ezekiel. She is also survived by her loving aunts, Alfredia Kirksey of Minneapolis, MN, and Josephine Fisher-Hall of Washington, D.C.; great-uncle, James (Marlee) Canada and a host of cousins and friends. Also mourning her passing are special cousins, Debra Blakely and Olivia Newsome; her lifelong friend, Dinah McMillon-Coleman; dear friends, Curtis Walker, Vanessa Stephens-Jones, and Jerome Sangster. Norene was preceded in death by her husband, Tracy Travis; her parents, William T. and Sharron Y. Hall; grandparents, Samuel Sr. and Marie Hall, Cornelia Wallace, and Shelby Smith; great-grandmother, Cordelia Carter; aunts, Joyce Smith, Pearl Jamerson, and Ovella Bond; uncles, Samuel M. Hall Jr. and Michael J. Smith and brother-in-law, Manuel Gonzalez. Norene’s life was a testament to unconditional love for family and loyal friendships. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Special thanks to Houston and Elaine Jackson for their years of support as Bethel AME Church Class Leaders; Reverend P. David Saunders; Reverend Dr. Dennis Laffoon and First Lady Reverend Rochelle Laffoon. The family extends their deepest gratitude to everyone who shared laughter, offered assistance, and provided shoulders to lean on. Special thanks to the staff, surgeons, nurses, and clergy at Covenant Cooper Hospital for their dedication and support, and to Pastor Reverend Dr. Vincent McMillon and Pastor Lafayette Simpson for their comfort and prayers during her last hours. Family Hour will take place at 12:00 noon with the funeral service commencing at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 535 Cathay Street, Saginaw, MI 48601. Rev. P. David Saunders will officiate. Visitation will take place on Friday from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 at the funeral home.

Mrs. Norene Dené (Hall) Travis

March 19, 1956 - June 3, 2025