Akili Thompson Hall's Obituary
Akili Diop D’jidade Okechukwu Thompson Hall was born in Saint Louis, Missouri, on June 23, 1995 to the union of Alvin Conston Hall and Donna Karen Thompson Hall. Akili was a bright, gifted, talented student who attended Ladue Chapel and the Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School. At MICDS, he participated in various sports and activities, including Track and Field, the Robotics Team, Pathfinders, and Band. Akili was a brilliant pupil and was named a National Merit Semi-Finalist.
Akili attended Tulane University and studied computer science and Japanese. While at Tulane, he worked as a studio assistant in the student photography lab. In his early twenties, he enjoyed working at the Saint Louis Art Museum as a gallery attendant. Akili was an accomplished data scientist. He mastered multiple computer software programs, including Python, SQL, Linux, and Ruby. He held certifications from Western Governors University and the International Software Testing Qualifications Board. He worked for Block Inc., Testlio, and Applause.
Akili held an ardent fervor for gardening and hydroponics. He was an active volunteer with Seed Saint Louis and the Lindenwood Park Neighborhood Association Community Garden. He planted strawberries in plant bed #33. Akili was passionate about working with local producers to create sustainable microgreens farming practices.
Akili was a prolific artist. He enjoyed painting, poetry, collecting vinyl records, sketching, origami, and animation. He loved spending time with loved ones and friends, especially his confidant, John Dunagan. He was the inventor and illustrator of “Febewis,” fictional creatures that possess energetic powers. He enjoyed practicing new tricks on his skateboard. Akili loved cooking foods from across the world and was an adroit chef and baker. He was a music enthusiast and played piano, violin, flute, and guitar.
Akili will be remembered for his friendly demeanor and his beaming smile.
He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Calvin Thompson and Pinkie Hollin; paternal grandparents, Roy and Sallie Hall; and his father Alvin C. Hall. Left to cherish his memory are his mother and sister, Donna Karen Thompson Hall and Ashaki Ngozi Nzinga Kandake Thompson-Hall; great-aunt Thelma Thompson; great-uncle Charlie Herbert Hall III; uncle Clyde Lee Hall (Karen), and aunt Idaline L. Hall; aunt Margaret Thompson and uncle Calvin Thompson; cousins Je’Loni Hall, Brandon Thompson (Anna), Viva James (Jesse), Thelma G. Thompson; and a host of other family members, friends, and acquaintances.
In lieu of flowers, the Hall family requests donations to the following organizations:
The MICDS African-American Mentoring Program (Pathfinders): https://www.micds.org/giving/
Seed Saint Louis: https://seedstl.org/ways-to-give/
BEAM: https://beam.community/donate/
Aquamation services by Hughes Funeral & Aquamation Center in St. Louis, Missouri.
What’s your fondest memory of Akili?
What’s a lesson you learned from Akili?
Share a story where Akili's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Akili you’ll never forget.
How did Akili make you smile?