By DeAndrea J. Hall

Wade Hall, Jr. and DeAndrea “Dee” Johnson met in Wade’s hometown, Somerville, NJ, in March of 1992, where they noticed each other simultaneously! As the saying goes, it was love at first sight! They dated for four years when in front of three hundred guests, they became Mr. and Mrs. Wade and DeAndrea Hall, Jr., at The First Baptist Church of Princeton. Officiating their union was then Pastor, Rev. Dr. Felicia Y. Thomas in May of 1996. It was said that the Princeton community was shut down on May 11, 1996. What a day! Dee always dreamt of having the jumping of the broom as a part of her wedding ceremony because of its multiple yet significant meanings, including new beginnings, the sweeping away of evil, respecting the ancestors, and, most importantly, family unity.

Wade H. Hall, Jr. and DeAndrea J. Hall

Wade and Dee did not take any of these themes lightly, and family has remained a vital part of their relationship. After all the excitement of the wedding was over and the couple returned after a much-needed get away, Dee went to Wade’s Grandparent’s home and swept away any evil that may have lingered there and for her, that solidified an unbreakable bond between her, Wade, and their families—they were one after that. Today, the couple has been together for thirty-three years, and God-willing will celebrate their twenty-ninth wedding anniversary on May 11, 2025.

Dee says Wade has always taken good care of her and their family with his constant protection; he always goes over and beyond for us, his family and those he considers friends. He is a mastermind with his hands and can fix absolutely anything that is broken and put before him; he is also a builder and a mechanic. Wade is even there for those he has never met. He is the type of person who helps anyone any way he can; he will give you the shirt off his back. Once, after witnessing a horrible car accident involving a police officer whose cruiser landed on its hood, Wade helped to free the officer from the wreckage. Another time, he had been present when a woman was hit by a car and stayed with her until emergency services arrived and lastly, he helped a man flee a burning vehicle whose engine ultimately blew up. Dee often feels Wade is selfless to a fault and reminds her so much of her father, who has supported countless people in and outside of the Princeton community in their time of need. This trait makes us as a family blessed to have Wade in our lives.

Wade H. Hall, Jr. and DeAndrea J. Hall

Wade was asked what keeps his relationship with Dee going; he simply answered, “Love.” I love my wife to life. She takes care of me and our family in many ways and always puts us first. Dee does everything to make sure we are happy and healthy. She spoils me and the Hall kids (the couple’s nickname for their children). She’s everything, and we have made it a point to always try to never get distracted by outside noise! It is all about us Halls. We are best friends, and it will be me and her till the end! Now, that is not to say we haven’t had our struggles like all couples do, and we have had many challenges over the years, don’t get me wrong. There have been times when we didn’t think things would work for us, but as my grandmother always said, never go to sleep angry and, most importantly, never share your personal issues and business with anyone. What goes on with us for the most part stays with us. We try to consider both of those points when we need to, but let’s face it, we are human and sometimes need to vent with others. All good though, because we are always going to figure it out and be ok. Our fist pump solidifies that!

Wade has been employed by the Borough of Somerville, NJ, Department of Public Works for 37 years, and Dee recently retired from Educational Testing Service after 24 years. The couple has two children: a daughter, Skylar J., a second-year graduate student, and son, Jaden, who is currently a college sophomore. Since the passing of Dee’s parents, the Halls remain in the home she was raised in on Birch Avenue and look forward to their plans of relocating which will be well-deserved for both.