'Joyous' Remembrances Set for Heather Hall Bates; Visitation, Memorial, Funeral Dates

The mood was somber at Brandon High School on Nov. 14, as a school community learned of the death of mathematics teacher and cheerleading coach Heather Bates Hall, 28, who lost her years-long battle with cancer the night before.

But it's with a "joyous" and remembering heart that Hall's husband, Jarrett, a deputy with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, hopes students, teachers, family, friends and neighbors will pay tribute to his young wife, who died from cancer Nov. 13 at age 28.

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In a Facebook post about Hall's visitation and worship service at Plant City's First Baptist Church this weekend, Jarrett Hall wrote on Nov. 14:

Well folks, today is a day to rejoice. Heather Hall was met by a heavenly host and is experiencing something we believers are envious of.

I am so grateful for all of you who love my wife and I truly appreciate all of the kind words and gestures. The 5K [run] is still in full swing to celebrate and honor Heather's life, so sign up and come join us.

This week will conclude with a joyous visitation on Friday at 6-8PM. The following day, we will have a worship service honoring God and remembering Heather at 11AM. Both events will be held at Plant City First Baptist.

Again I am so appreciative for all the support.

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To Pay Your Respects To Heather Bates Hall

• The family will receive friends Friday, Nov. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Plant City, at 503 North Palmer St.

• At the church on Saturday, Nov. 17, a "Celebration of Life" service will be held at 11 a.m.

• Private intermission will follow at Hopewell Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens in Plant City.

• In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: LifePath Hospice, 12973 Telecom Pkwy., Suite 100, Temple Terrace, FL 33637

• Expressions of condolence have been collected online at Hopewell Funeral online.

• The Heroes for Heather 5K Memorial Run is scheduled for Dec. 1 at Brandon High School, 1101 Victoria St. Registration and check-in is at 9 a.m., with the run to follow an hour later. The cost is $15. Each runner will receive a "Heroes for Heather" T-shirt and other amenities. Electronic registration will close Nov. 26. Walk-up registrations will be accepted.

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From Heather Hall's Obituary (posted at Hopewell Funeral online)

• Heather Hall received a master's degree in education from the University of South Florida, where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi. She taugh math and coached the varsity cheerleading squad at Brandon High School.

• She is survived by her husband, Jarrett Hall; parents, Cheryl Bates-Switch (John) and William Edward Bates (Ladonna); sister, Jennifer Bates-Moores (Scott); brother-in-law, Will Hall; grandparents Richard and Donna Kincade and Colon and Arline Smith; and parents-in-law, Ron and Betty Hall.

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