Irene Marie Hoyt

February 1, 1926 - July 4, 2019

Irene Marie Zimmerman Hoyt, age 93, of the St. Elizabeth Community in Arkansas, left her earthly world on July 4, 2019, to be in the loving arms of her heavenly Father. She was born on February 1, 1926, in St. Vincent, Arkansas, a daughter of the late John Zimmerman and Josephine Gottsponer Zimmerman, and widow of Fred Joseph Hoyt, Sr. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She always stated that her biggest accomplishment in life was her fifteen children, watching them grow in faith and have families of their own. She cherished and loved each one of them and their spouses, unconditionally. Her priorities in life were Faith and Family with God always in the center. She cherished the large family gatherings during the holidays and special occasions; and the more intimate ones after Sunday Mass. Survivors include her fifteen children: Thomas Hoyt (Martha) of Oppelo, Peggy Weaver (David) of Collierville, Tennessee, Joni Brinegar (Jerry) of Hot Springs, Jane Crain (Donald) of Bigelow, Paul Hoyt (Jo Beth) of Oppelo, Wayne Hoyt of Conway, Judy Magie (John) of Morrilton, Sharon Hoyt of Morrilton, Jo Ellen Dunlap (David) of Oppelo, Wanda White (Tim) of Russellville, Larry Hoyt (Susie) of Robertsville, Missouri, Ronnie Hoyt (Sharon) of Rogers, Connie Grote (Jack) of Fort Smith, Charles Hoyt (Kristen) of Cedar Park, Texas, and Fred Hoyt Jr. (Laura) of Greenwood; one brother, Fred Zimmerman (Becky) of Oppelo; forty-three grandchildren and sixty-five great-grandchildren. Other than her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers: John Ike, Carl and Jake Zimmerman; sisters: Helen Greeson, Bernice Patterson and Regina Huddleston; and great-granddaughter Kayleigh Craig. Irene was a lifelong member of the St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, including many years active in the Altar Society, and also as a leader of the Catholic Youth Organization. She was a very religious woman, and found peace and comfort at the Church Mass and Adoration; while praying, meditating and reciting the Holy Rosary. She graduated from St. Elizabeth Catholic School and continued her education at Mount St. Mary Academy in Little Rock. She worked at the Mather Lodge Restaurant on Petit Jean Mountain during her teenage years. She also worked at the local voting precinct for many years. Her main role in life was as a homemaker caring for her loving family. She was a self-less person, and would do without for the sake of the family. Her hobbies included outside activities, such as gardening and taking long, leisurely walks down the road. She loved to quilt, sew and mend anything that needed to be fixed. She also enjoyed playing bingo at the Knights of Columbus Hall and the penny slots at the Oklahoma casino. She cherished the adventures and trips with her family and friends throughout the States and overseas. Another one of her enjoyments in life was watching the birds though her kitchen window and on her porch swing, as they received the nourishment of seed and nectar. Her favorite birds were the cardinal, robin, snowbird, finch and hummingbird. In her later years, she enjoyed taking care of her furry companion, Miss Kitty. She loved all the seasons of the year, but especially the Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary (May) and the Month of the Holy Rosary (October). Rosary Service will be at 6:00 p.m., Monday, July 8, at Harris Funeral Home, Morrilton. Visitation will follow the Rosary Service. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 9, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church; officiated by Archbishop Chuck Thompson, Father Richard Davis, Monsignor Jack Harris, and Father Shaun Wesley. The grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Memorials may be made to the River Chase Rehabilitation and Care Center, Arkansas Hospice, St. Elizabeth Catholic Church and Sacred Heart Catholic School. Special thanks to the staff of River Chase and Arkansas Hospice, especially Kari Hoyt and Tyler for their loving care and compassion. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Irene Marie, please visit our Sympathy Store.