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THOMAS HOYT Obituary
THOMAS L. HOYT, JR. Senior Bishop - CME Church
On October 27, 2013 at 2 :47 pm (EST), Senior Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr. was called from his earthly home to his Heavenly reward following a brief illness. Bishop Hoyt was elected the Forty Eighth Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in 1994 at the General Conference in Memphis, Tennessee. In 2010 he was installed as Senior Bishop of the mpre than 800,000 member denomination. He was the Presiding Prelate of the seventh Episcopal District which encompassed the New York-Washington Region and the Carolina Region. He resided here in Washington, DC Senior Bishop Hoyt was married to Ocie (nee Oden) Hoyt, and was the father of two children, Doria and Thomas III. The funeral service for Bishop Hoyt will be held Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at Cramton Auditorium, Howard University, 2455 Sixth Street, NW, Washington, DC. The viewing will be from 9 to 11 a.m., with the funeral beginning at 11 a.m. A Memorial Service will be held on November 11, 2013 in Atlanta, GA at the Westside CME Church, 2114 Martin Luther King Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at the West View Cemetery in Atlanta.
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Memories and Condolences
for THOMAS HOYT
Alvin Garner
October 28, 2024
Great man. I wonderful friend. Performed the first interracial Martin Orange County, NC. How do I know it was for my wife and me: Alcoa´s Omelia Garner of Carrbboro, NC. Thank you.
Alvin Garner
October 28, 2022
I first met Thomas Hoyt Jr in 1968. I was 20 years old and in love with my wife to be, Omelia Head. He was very instrumental in helping us with our wedding and all the obstacles we were facing. You see, Omelia and I were not the same race. She was African American and I was white. We were not even sure we could get married in North Carolina. Thomas Hoyt Jr reached out to the Register of Deeds in our county and found out we were indeed able to wed. So Thomas Hoyt Jr performed the first interracial marriage in Orange County, NC and possibly the first in NC on June 23, 1968. In addition, he assisted our current Pastor, Ila D McMillan in our marriage renewal on June 21, 2008, for years later. He will always be special in my heart. He was a kind, genera, and loving pastor.
Carolyn Briggs
October 28, 2020
May you continue to have Gods favor now and always
Rev. Windy Price
November 27, 2013
Our hearts still aches from the passing of the beloved Bishop Hoyt. We continue to pray the comfort of the Lord to be with Mrs. Hoyt and her family.
This is a picture of my late mom Mrs. Lucille Stallworth
Jolene Stallworth
November 18, 2013
I am Jolene Stallworth and I am the daugthter of the late Mrs. Lucille Finney Stallworth. I am a cousin of Bishop Hoyt. I met him about two years ago in Mobile at the Bishop's conference. My late mom introduced me to Bishop Hoyt and it was a pleasure meeting him. My mom died this year in January. She was kin to the Ruffins, the Youngs and Williams.
Rev. Shirley Brown
November 18, 2013
Beloved Ocie & family, I want to extend my deepest condolences to you in your hour of bereavement. My heart aches as I received the news of the loss of A great man of God & servant leader of the Body of Christ. He was very instrumental in my pursuing the call to ministry following my graduation from the Black Ministries Program in 1989 at Hartford Seminary, and nominating me for a prestigious scholarship at Emory Univ, Atlanta, GA in 1993. I will always remember his kindness, humility and great Love for God's People. The Body of Christ has lost a servant, but heaven has gained a soldier, and drum major for justice. I pray The Lord continue to bless, comfort and strengthen you with His Peace in the days & months ahead. I will always cherish his memory and continue to uphold his legacy to others as a mentor & pastoral leader. Rest in God's eternal Peace...Love and Blessings,
Exhorter Alvin Foster
November 13, 2013
too the Hoyt family truly my prayers are with the family at this time I will never forget when I met the Bishop it's an experience I'll never forget.I'll been in the word ever since . . . R.I.P BISHOP HOYT until we meet again !
Leonice Davenport
November 12, 2013
Mrs. Ocie, I'm truly sorry for your lose and The Bishop will be missed by all. I pray that as time go by you will come and fellowship with the Davenport Family at Rev Debbie & Everett Peyton's home.
Peace with you and the family.
Sincerely,
Cookie
S.Griggs
November 11, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Rev. Joan D Scott
November 10, 2013
Senior Bishop Hoyt will always be in my heart. I have worked with him as his Ecumenical & Interfaith Liaison for years. We have sat at the table with our Presidents and many leaders. He has entrusted me and shown me how humble one can be through the love and kindness to others. I will continue to lift him up in my work. We Love You Ocie & Family
Joan & Donnie
Joyce Brooks-Branch
November 10, 2013
To Ocie & famiy
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Joyce Brooks(Lane College, class of 1964)
Laura Anderson-Holloway and Family
November 10, 2013
To the Hoyt Family,
Because we care our warmest thoughts and prayers are extended to you with more concern and sympathy than we could ever say.
I am so thankful that I was able to visit with the family three days during the Summit in Houston, Texas.
May you find some comfort in just knowing there are many hearts that understand and care. "We Love you"
Tommy Jackson
November 10, 2013
I will miss Bishop Hoyt and his friendly smile as well as his willingness to have open discussions with the laity. He was easy to befriend and always gave you a little of his time...May God Bless 1st Lady Ocie Hoyt and her family...
The Staff of Willie A. Watkins, Inc. Historic West End Chapel
November 10, 2013
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
Herman Thomas
November 9, 2013
I was fortunate to know Bishop Hoyt and to associate with him from Duke, St. Joseph CME, Chapel Hill through several visits to Charlotte. He was a friend, leader, and humble servant of the Church.
My condolences to Ocie, his wife, and the children. I hope to see you in Atlanta.
May the peace of God comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Herman E. Thomas, Ph.D.
UNC Charlotte and First Baptist Church-West, Charlotte, NC.
S. Griggs
November 9, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Eg
November 9, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jesse & Earnell Clardy
November 8, 2013
Our prayers are with you and your family.
Jesse(classmate) and Earnell Clardy
Ramona Sablon
November 8, 2013
May you rest in peace, Rev. Hoyt. As kids, you were one of the brightest lights for us. Thank you for all your positivity. Ms. Ocie and family, sending love and comfort.
Ronald Baltimore
November 7, 2013
To God Be The Glory.
November 7, 2013
Dear Mrs. Ocie and Family,
We will miss his kindness, genoristy, and inspiration to make many of us better Christians exemplifying peace, love and faithfulness. It was an honor to serve under his dynamic leadership.
With love
Judith E. Grant
November 7, 2013
Dear Ocie, Doria and Thomas, III, our prayers have been with you and will be with you from no on as you work through this "storm." Sincerely, Marva F. & Robert L. Greene, Sr., Dunwoody, GA
Jimmie, Evelyn, Mischa Kidd
November 7, 2013
Our Prayers are with you at this time. Know that God Cares and will always be with you.
Laura Davis
November 6, 2013
Bishop Hoyt was a gaint of a man, I will always regard him as "my Bishop." He made the "little" people feel big. I pray that the Almighty will strength and hold you and yours close. Your friend from Helm Chapel C. M. E. Church, Carrrollton, MS
Sandra A Fields
November 6, 2013
My sincere sympathies on the passing of Bishop Hoyt. May the memories of your life with Bishop Hoyt bring you comfort.
November 6, 2013
Mrs.Ocie Hoyt and Family - May God bring you comfort today and in the days ahead. I will always keep Bishop Hoyt in my heart and I am so glad That I got chance to see both of you last year in Chapel Hill, NC at St. Joseph C.M.E.'s homecoming. Respectfully and prayerfully, Carrie V Hall, Washington, D.C
Mary and Willie Ball
November 6, 2013
T0 the Hoyt Family,
Our prayers are with you and your family. Always remember that earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.
Vera Forbes
November 6, 2013
Bishop Hoyt, you have received your heavenly reward. In the name Jesus you have the victory! Sending my sincerest condolences to your family. Vera Forbes
Mr. & Mrs. Llewellyn Forbes
November 6, 2013
Mrs. Hoyt, we miss our great Bishop, however he is now presiding with God. Bless you and your family through such a time as this. Sincerely, Llewellyn & Vera Forbes.
Caddo Parish Sheriff Office
November 6, 2013
Doria
We are lifting you and your family up in prayers. Let God be your comfort and strength during this time of bereavement.
Gayraud S. Wilmore
November 6, 2013
To Mrs. Hoyt and family:
I was shocked and dismayed to get this news. Tom and I worked together in the NCBC, NCC, WCC, inter-seminary activities, and were good friends for many years. I regarded him as one of the most brilliant and progressive Black churchmen in the nation. May he rest in inexplicable peace and glory with his Lord.
Anthony and Dana Perry
November 6, 2013
Mrs. Ocie, Doria and family, Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. We loved Bishop Hoyt tremendously and we were so blessed to have known him. Such a gentle giant. Love you all!!
We will miss you Bishop Hoyt but we will carry on with the excellence that you lead us to do .
Marvella Ivery
November 6, 2013
Praying for the family of this Gentle Giant that Bishop Hoyt is and such a scholarly and compassionate leader as well.
Rilla Chambers
November 6, 2013
Mrs. Hoyt and family,
You are in our daily prayers. It is our hope that The Lord, in all His wisdom and power, will give you strength during this trying time. Always, remember to look to the hills from whence your help Cometh!
Rilla G. chambers & Twan-Alexis Chambers
LaDonna Thomas and Family
November 6, 2013
To Doria,Yunnie and the entire Hoyt family,
Our deepest sympathy is extended toward you at this time of sorrow. What a profound man, a great servant and a life well lived. Let the memories and love abound in your hearts until you meet again. Rejoice for God has said "Well Done Good and Faithful Servant"
November 6, 2013
Mrs. Hoyt and family,
You are in our daily prayers. It is our hope that The Lord,, in all His wisdom and power, will give you strength during this time. Always, remember to look to the hills from whence your help cometh!
Rilla G. Chambers & Twan-Alexis Chambers
Elders Alvin and Omelia Garner
Elders Alvin and Omelia Garner
November 6, 2013
We will never forget this Man of God. As the first interracial couple to be married in North Carolina, Bishop Hoytt was very helpful in providing us counsel and helping us make our wedding possible. Our prayers are ever with his family.
Lori Hudson-McIntosh and the Hudson Family
November 6, 2013
Mrs. Hoyt,
Words can not express the sadness we feel at the passing of Bishop Hoyt. He was a wonderful man who was well deserving of all of the kind words spoken of him. We wil miss him greatly. Our love and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Kevin & Portia Bennett
November 6, 2013
To The Family of Bishop Thomas Hoyt, Jr. May God's Peace, Comfort, and Joy find its way to your hearts with the loss of your love one.
Bettie Williams-Silvia
November 6, 2013
May God be with you during this time. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
November 6, 2013
To the Hoyt Family, our Bishop will be miss in our hearts may God hold you and keep you in peace.
Sharon Bowdry
November 5, 2013
Bishop Hoyt has truly been a blessing in our lives. The light of his life will shine forever. I pray that Mrs. Hoyt and her family can find Peace, comfort and endurance during this time of their great loss.
Mrs. Baby Jane Weatherspoon & family
November 5, 2013
God bless you and your family during your time of deep sorrow. Our prayers are with you and your family.
November 5, 2013
Condolences and prayers to the family of Bishop Hoyt, may God grant you peace and comfort today and the days ahead.
The Arrington Family
Russell Temple CME Church
7th District
Deborah Stevenson
November 5, 2013
My sincerest condolences to Mrs. Ocie and family during this very sad time. I had the pleasure of meeting Bishop Hoyt and he was so kind as was Mrs. Ocie. The light that he was will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew him. May God continue to be your comfort!
Deborah Stevenson, Miles Memorial C.M.E. Church
Donna Gives
November 4, 2013
To Mrs. Ocie Hoyt and Family,
We extend our deepest condolences to you. Bishop Hoyt has left an impression on us and our great Zion that will never be forgotten. He will not be replaced and the times spent with him and you will always be treasured.
Blessings & Love during this sad time,
Rev. Tillman & Donna Gives
Carolina Region -- Charleston/Columbia District
November 4, 2013
Sister Hoyt and family:
As President of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. (PNBC), you have the prayer, comfort and support of the PNBC family. We will miss a great leader and spirit-filled man of God in Bishop Hoyt. We pray for the entire Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME) family during this time of transition.
God bless you all as you celebrate the life of God's servant, Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr, 48th Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.
Dr. Carroll A. Batlimore, Sr.
19th President
Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.
Margaret Burton
November 4, 2013
To the family of Bishop Thomas L Hoyt, Jr
Our prayers are with you, may God's loving arms comfort you during this time. May the peace of God be with you.
Roseann Lezak Janow
November 4, 2013
Bless you, Bishop Hoyt and your family. We know that on this new path you will continue to do God's work to bring blessings and peace to our world.
Roseann, Marvin, Laurie...and David.
Kelvin Chapman Jr
November 4, 2013
I pray the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep the hearts and minds of the Hoyt family through Christ Jesus.
Willard Ashley
November 4, 2013
We have lost a great soul in Christian ministry and scholarship. My heart is sadden by his loss. Our prayers go out to the family.
November 3, 2013
Our hearts are sadden by the loss of our Senior Bishop. Our lives have been changed because of him. To Mrs. Ocie and family, we will always be here for you.
Rev. Dr. Wayne A. & Vernell Williams
J. Oscar McCloud
November 3, 2013
Mrs. Hoyt, it is with profound sadness that I learned of Bishop Hoyt's death. I have known him since he and my first wife were in college together. He also was an active participant in the work of The Fund for Theological Education when I was Executive Director. My pray for your and the family is that God will sustain you with his love and mercy.
The Rev. J. Oscar McCloud
John Ford
November 3, 2013
Bishop Hoyt was an "ecumenical friend" for many years; his passing is a loss not only to his own church but to many churches throughout the world.
Nellie Simmons
November 3, 2013
Was deeply saddened by the news that Bishop Hoyt had passed ! My sincerest condolences to his family.
Eugene Turner, The Rev. Dr.
November 3, 2013
I thank God for Bishop Hoyt, a colleague and friend in a work context for more than a decade. May God comfort the Hoyt family during this time.
Juanita Bethea Thompson
November 3, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. And,may your hears soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Praying for and with you!
With Much Love,
Juanita Bethea Thompson and Family
Rev. Elenora Giddings Ivory
November 3, 2013
He was a blessing to all who knew him.
Earnest Hill
November 3, 2013
God be with Dr. Hoyt's Family.
Belinda Curry
November 3, 2013
R.I.P. Bishop Hoyt.
Your loved ones and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.
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