Miriam Hoyt

Miriam Jeanine Hoyt, lovingly known as “Scubie” by those close to her, a woman of extraordinary grace, warmth, and talent, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 6:10 p.m., surrounded by her loving family. She was 88.

Miriam was the cherished widow of James Harold Hoyt and the beloved daughter of the late Ozie Christine Anthony and James Weaver Simpler. She was preceded in death by her son, Mark Hodges; her sisters, Charlotte Marie Copeland and Lydia Lorraine Simpler; and is survived by her siblings, James “Jimmy” Jeffrey Simpler, Julia Lynn Moore-Gauntt, and Anthony Keith Moore.

A devoted mother, Miriam leaves behind a legacy of love through her daughters: Alyson Hoyt (widow of the late Peter Frangos), Kimberly Lane (married to Jeffrey Lane), Denise Goulas (married to Randy Goulas), and Mellody Sharon (married to Steve Sharon). Her nurturing spirit continues to live on in her eight grandchildren: Maria Frangos, Dustin Landry (married to Meagan Landry), Angele Sons (married to Ronnie Sons), Katie Goulas, Zachary Husband (married to Shelby Husband), Jordan Lane (married to Annie Lane), Madison Palmquist (married to Ian Palmquist), Macie Husband and nine great-grandchildren, all of whom were touched by her unconditional love and joyful presence.

Miriam shared her remarkable musical gifts as a piano player at Pat O’Brien’s Piano Bar in New Orleans for 32 unforgettable years. Her stage presence was as genuine as her heart - lighting up the room with every note and bringing joy to all who had the pleasure of hearing her play.

She was truly selfless - never taking the last cookie, always thinking of others before herself. She never raised her voice, never judged, and never missed an opportunity to offer kindness. Whether it was her steady presence in the lives of her family or her ever-supportive comments on Facebook, she made everyone feel seen, loved, and encouraged. Her patience was unmatched, her heart unshakably loving, and her spirit endlessly positive.

She was the heart of her family and a quiet, powerful force of goodness. Her legacy lives on not only in the generations she leaves behind, but in the way she lived - with sweetness, generosity, talent, and grace. She will be forever loved and forever remembered.