Joan Elizabeth Hoyte

Joan Elizabeth Ruggles Hoyte, 76, of Summerville, SC passed on Wednesday September 16, 2020 at home with her family and is now at home with her Lord.

She was born Joan Elizabeth Ruggles on December 1, 1943 in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada. Her childhood was marked by poverty but filled with loving family and friends who cared for her. She would later recall how blessed she felt to have overcome such difficult circumstances to live an abundant life by comparison. She demonstrated her thankfulness to God by sharing whatever resources she could with those in need. She will be remembered for her generosity as much as for the love she gave to those around her.

She was the granddaughter of Georgina (Robinson) Eskins and Herbert Eskins and the daughter of Mary (Eskins) Ruggles and Harold Ruggles. Joan graduated from Northmount High School in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. She held various administrative positions until she married Albert E. Hoyte, Jr. of New York City, NY while he served in the United States Air Force. An education advocate, she was especially fulfilled by her work at Hampton University and her 10 years as a sales representative and district manager for World Book. A lifelong learner, Joan continued her education with a degree from Trident Technical College, and at 49, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Albany State University. She worked in financial planning and insurance (State Farm, Metlife, Citigroup) until her retirement.

Joan was outgoing, opinionated, loyal, dependable, honest, and passionate. Her personality remained as bold as ever, although her earthly body was weakened by disease. She was a force and a light in life, but she was also more than ready to go home to heaven.

She is survived by her patient and loving husband, Albert; their children Keith (Gail James) Hoyte of Marietta, GA, Paul Hoyte of Moncks Corner, SC, Joan (Robert) Vandawaker of Summerville, SC; grandchildren, Helen Vandawaker, Alexandra Vandawaker and Elizabeth Vandawaker; sisters Marilyn (Denise Blair) Ruggles and Janice (Stephen Maloney) Ruggles-Maloney, brothers Paul (Joanne) Ruggles and Phillip (Vera) Ruggles, sisters-in-law Olivia Rovinescu, Debra Marshall and Elaine Ruggles. and Brother-in-law Robert (Cheryl) Hoyte. Also surviving are close cousin Joseph Eskins and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and other relatives in her large extended family.

She is preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; brothers Keith, Clifton, and Hilton Ruggles; and sister Linda Chambers.

There will be a viewing at Carolina Memorial Funeral Home on Wednesday September 23, 2020 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm with a private family graveside memorial service on Thursday September 24, 2020 at 11:00am. A grand memorial party to celebrate Joan’s remarkable life will be held at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.carolinamemorial.com for the Hoyte family. Memorial donations may also be made to the Salvation Army.