Phyllis M. Hoyt – 88 – of 14 Lisman Lane, Arkport, died late Saturday evening (August 29, 2015) at her home surrounded by her family following a brief illness. 

Born in North Hornell on December 1, 1926, she was the daughter of Arnold “Jake” & Kathryn (Kimball) Lawrence.

 Phyllis grew up in Arkport and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1944).  Following high school, she resided in New York City for several months, with ambitions of pursuing a modeling career.  

After returning to Arkport, Phyllis attended Alfred University.  She was then employed for a short time at New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) in Perry, NY.  Phyllis left the work-force for several years to begin raising a family and later began working at the Montgomery Ward Catalog Store in Hornell. 

Phyllis was then employed as a Librarian Aide at the Arkport Central School for 26 years before retiring in 1991. 

A lifelong member of the Arkport Presbyterian Church, Phyllis was also a member of the Canisteo Valley Historical Society & the Arkport Alumni Association.  She and her sister “Madge” were avid “Flee Marketers” who both enjoyed buying & selling antiques.  

Phyllis was married on July 5th, 1947 to Robert W. Hoyt who passed away in 1994.  She was also preceded in death by her brother, Donald Lawrence. 

Surviving are 2 sons, Michael (Ann) Hoyt of Arkport and Stephen (Pamela) Hoyt of Arkport; 2 sisters, Madlyn “Madge” (Donald) Lang of Arkport and Sandra Lawrence of Arkport; 1 brother, Sheldon (Barbara) Lawrence of Arkport; 6 grandchildren, Benjamin (Vaughn) Hoyt of Arkport, Tracie (Michael) McCarthy of Arkport, Carleton (Angela) Hoyt of Rochester, Ryan Hoyt of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Patrick Moore of Arkport and Kerri-Ann (Matthew) Messecar of Corning; 10 great-grandchildren, Noah Hoyt, McKennah Cuozzo, Karman Hoyt, Aaron McCarthy, Mikah Hoyt, Lucas McCarthy, Zacharie Hoyt, Everett McCarthy,  Brayden Howell and Thomas Moore; several nieces & nephews.

At Phyllis’ request there will be no calling hours, simply a private burial with family. 

Phyllis’ family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either the Arkport Central School Library, 35 East Ave., Arkport, NY 14807 or the Arkport Presbyterian Church, 15 Main St., Arkport, NY 14807.  Click here to print a memorial form.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.