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Doris Claire Hoyt Doris C. Hoyt joined her savior and the love of her life in heaven on Tuesday, November 22, 2016. Doris was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on July 30, 1927, to James and Louise Gleason. She had one brother, Roy Gleason, to whom she remained close in love and friendship throughout their lives. Doris attended Nichols High School in New Orleans and after graduating, became interested in photography and painting. This led to a job for a local photographer where she hand painted color onto sepia pictures. It was then that she met her life long partner and true soul mate, Samuel Joseph Hoyt, Sr.. Doris and Sam married on November 24, 1945, following World War II. Theirs was a love story usually seen only on movie screens. That union lasted 64 beautiful years and produced 4 children, by which she is survived. Her children include: Samuel Hoyt, Jr. and wife Kaye; Kathy Hembd, and husband, Seth; Karen Richards and husband Rick, and Doris Hunt and husband James. Doris spent most of her life devoted to her children and her husband. She was the consummate mother and wife as she created a happy and joyful home by hosting birthday parties, planning vacations, managing her home, and never letting anyone go hungry! She was an outstanding cook, especially with Cajun delicacies. Her gumbo was legendary. Doris also taught her family and especially her daughters, the art of balance and the value of self-respect and independence. She taught herself to drive, not wanting to be dependent. She acquired a job selling world book encyclopedias in the 60’s, while her children were at school and she joined a bowling league - all of which were not common for women in those decades. Most importantly, she was a committed Christian and demonstrated her faith and God’s love daily. She volunteered often at her church, such as the altar society, and at the Catholic schools that her children attended. Her faith produced a joy and love that was evident to all. This continued well into her golden years as many at her assisted living and memory care facilities commented often about how she had a warm smile for everyone, always. They told how she displayed an inner love and beauty. This, we know, came from God’s spirit within. Doris is survived by 11 grandchildren: Michael Hoyt; Dylan Hoyt and wife Melanie; Kevin Shannon and wife Sarah; Collin Shannon and wife Nicole; Amanda Callahan-Old and husband Erath; Jennifer Jursnick and husband Sean; Austin Hembd; Allison Killian and husband Mark; Ryan Richards and wife Sydney; Lindsay Richards and Cody Richards. Doris is also survived by 6 great grandchildren: McKenzie Hoyt; Murphy, Madigan, McQuire, and McDermott Hoyt; and Leo Hembd. A mass and rosary for immediate family is planned for Saturday, November 26, 2016 at St. Mark the Evangelist, in San Antonio, Texas. Those who choose, may donate to St. Mark The Evangelist Catholic Church (1602 Thousand Oaks Dr. San Antonio, Texas 78232) in her memory. The family would like to thank The Haven and The Laurels, assisted living and memory care facilities for their years of love and care to our mother. She will be missed immeasurably.

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Doris Claire Hoyt

July 30, 1927 - November 22, 2016