From the Edisto River to AdventHealth: Jacqueline Hall’s Heritage

This Native American Heritage Month, we celebrate Jacqueline Hall, office coordinator at AdventHealth Medical Group General Surgery at Chatsworth and AdventHealth Medical Group Urology at Chatsworth, whose personal journey and dedication to her heritage bring a unique depth to her role. Known for her compassion, diligence and unwavering faith, Hall embodies AdventHealth’s mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ every day. Patients, providers and team members alike are drawn to her kindness and wisdom, which are deeply rooted in the rich cultural heritage of her ancestors: the Edisto Natchez-Kusso Tribe of South Carolina.

Hall is a proud member of the Edisto Natchez-Kusso Tribe, a small but resilient Native American community centered around the Edisto River in South Carolina. The Edisto people, named for their historic connection to the waterway, have a history steeped in perseverance and unity. Although the Edisto tribe is state-recognized, they are still awaiting federal recognition — a milestone she and her community hope to achieve soon. “It’s something we’ve worked hard for over the years, and it would mean so much to our community,” Hall said.

Growing up in a remote, close-knit community, Hall’s life was marked by simplicity, tradition and a profound connection to nature. Raised on a farm with her seven siblings, she spent her childhood surrounded by family, fresh air and the bounties of the land. Her father ran a small tackle shop on the reservation, crafting his own fishing gear and making a modest living by selling his catches from the Edisto River. “My dad would fish all week and sell whatever he caught,” she recalled. “He taught us how to work hard and appreciate everything we had.”

Hall’s early years were filled with experiences that many today would find unique; her family lived off the land, growing vegetables, tending livestock and relying on the river’s bounty. Her family’s diet consisted largely of fresh produce and fish, which her father often caught himself. “We were raised on fresh vegetables and fish from the river — everything was so natural and pure. I didn’t realize it then, but that experience taught me resilience and the value of a healthy lifestyle,” she reflected. Hall’s father was also one of the first store owners in their community, a pioneer who crafted his own fishing tackle by hand and instilled in his children a deep work ethic and self-reliance. “We didn’t have much, but we learned to make the most of what we had. Those lessons shaped me into the person I am today.”

Education was highly valued in her family, even though resources were limited. Although she couldn’t attend kindergarten, she went straight into first grade and excelled academically, ultimately graduating as salutatorian of her class. She credits her family’s encouragement for her success and recalls how her parents emphasized the importance of learning and faith. “My mother was a Sunday school teacher, and our family was deeply rooted in our faith,” Hall said. “That faith has been my guiding light, something I cherish and cling to even now.”

Living in a secluded community meant limited access to health care and services, but Hall’s family made do with what was available. They received basic medical and dental care from mobile units that would visit periodically, providing vaccinations and check-ups right on the reservation. “We didn’t have pediatricians or local clinics; everything came to us,” Hall said. “It was simple, but it taught us to appreciate what we had and find strength in community.” These early experiences gave her a deep appreciation for health care providers and the critical role they play in rural and underserved communities — a passion she brings to her role at AdventHealth.

As she grew older, she began to realize the unique nature of her upbringing. “I didn’t know I was secluded at the time,” she said. “But as I got older and saw more of the world, I realized just how special my childhood was.” She now sees her upbringing as a gift, one that kept her grounded in the values and traditions of her people. “It’s not always best to be exposed to everything. I feel very honored and privileged to have been raised in a way that preserved my heritage and taught me to be resilient.”

Today, Hall proudly honors her Native American heritage and stays connected to her roots. She travels back to her community several times a year to attend meetings, participate in tribal ceremonies and bring back traditional foods grown and gathered by her family. “I have three brothers who are still there, each of them carrying on a family skill,” she said. “One is a fisherman, one is a hunter and one is an avid gardener. They supply me with fresh produce and fish when I visit, so I can bring a piece of home back with me.” Her freezer at home is stocked with foods from her tribe, keeping her connected to the land and lifestyle she grew up with.

Hall also wears her tribe’s emblem, a dreamcatcher with an eagle in the center, symbolizing her heritage. When patients or team members ask her about it, she sees it as an opportunity to share her culture. “People are curious about my background, and I’m always happy to share,” Hall said. “I want people to know we’re still here, that our culture is alive and thriving.”

Working at AdventHealth is a natural extension of Hall’s values. “One of the things that drew me to AdventHealth was its faith-based mission,” she said. “It’s important to me to work in a place that recognizes and respects my heritage. I’m grateful that AdventHealth sees the value in each person’s background, including mine.” In her two years at AdventHealth, Hall has built strong relationships with patients, providers and team members, all of whom appreciate her warmth, dedication and cultural pride.

The values she holds close — resilience, faith and a strong sense of community — align perfectly with the mission of AdventHealth. Her story is a powerful reminder of the strength of heritage and the importance of preserving and honoring one’s roots. This Native American Heritage Month, we celebrate not only her contributions to our team but also the rich legacy she carries with her. Through her work and her presence, Hall embodies the spirit of her people and inspires us all to stay connected to our own histories, whatever they may be.

Her tribe has a motto that resonates with her deeply: “We are still here.” As she continues to serve the AdventHealth community with humility and grace, she embodies that statement, carrying her heritage forward and reminding us of the power of resilience and identity. We are truly honored to have Jacqueline Hall as part of our team — a proud Edisto woman whose strength and dedication make her an invaluable part of the AdventHealth family.