Priscilla Haines Hoyt,103, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend passed away peacefully with family by her side in her Virginia Beach, Virginia home on June 1, 2021. She was born August 4, 1917, in Bayamo, Cuba to the late Risley Gardiner Haines and Kitsie Frith Haines. Living a full and enriched life, all who met her were graced by Priscilla’s extraordinary memories through story-telling and history of valued objects.  Priscilla was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Edward Robie Hoyt; parents, Risley Gardiner Haines & Kitsie Frith Haines; siblings, Risley Frith Haines, John Gardiner Haines, and Mary Haines Squires; and grandson, Paul Charles Witwer.

During her early years in Cuba, she and her siblings were taught by their mother who used Calvert Education for homeschool. Around 8 years-old, Priscilla was sent to Connecticut to reside with her aunts, Marion Priscilla Haines and Gladys Elvira Haines and grandmother Ellena Risley Haines. In eighth grade she transferred to Westtown School, a Quaker boarding school in eastern Pennsylvania. Following high school graduation in 1936, she ventured to New York City to study stenography. However, having learned fine sewing skills as a child, her love of sewing and fashion led her 1937 graduation from The McDowell Designing and Dressmaking School in NYC. The sewing, tailoring and pattern making skills she cultivated would influence her art and hobbies for life. While in NYC, she worked for a Singer Sewing Machine retailer and taught garment drafting and sewing. She recalled seeing a young Frank Sinatra’s opening act at Radio City Music Hall, and enjoyed the excitement of living in pre-war Big Apple. Following that, she moved to her mother’s home country, Bermuda, and worked for her uncle, Harold Hayes Frith, at his Elbow Beach Hotel Resort. Eventually, Priscilla moved back to Bayamo to spend time with her parents while she enjoyed horseback riding, tennis, dances and beach parties. She also periodically served as hostess and chaperone in Havana’s USO. As WWII called American soldiers to serve, Priscilla relocated to Philadelphia where she coordinated USO dances for GIs, and where she met her future husband, Edward, just days before he deployed to Europe. They corresponded while he served the US Army in in England, France and Germany. Upon his discharge from the Army, Edward flew to Cuba to ask Priscilla’s hand in marriage. On September 24,1947 they married in Columbia, SC at the home of Frith and Marie Haines. Their first home was in White Plains, NY as Edward completed his university degree. Because of post-war housing shortage, they resided with Edward’s father, Charles W.H. Hoyt.

In 1949, Priscilla, Edward and baby Kitsie moved to Columbia, South Carolina where they raised their three children. Priscilla’s creativity resulted in making all clothing for herself and daughters as well as numerous wedding gowns and formal wear. She was mentor and teacher to many with whom she shared her passion for sewing. She served as costume design coordinator for many ice skating shows at Rockbridge Country Club. She loved to entertain, cook, and host dinner parties, tea time, and was happy to be involved with holiday celebrations. Additionally, Priscilla served 12 years as troop leader for Girl Scouts of America, and held officer positions in Columbia Settlers Club. Following the death of her husband in 1997, she moved to Virginia Beach where she continued her hobbies and social activities, such as membership with Norfolk Doll Club and contract bridge. Priscilla was a life-long artist and producer of beautiful creations for which she won SC State Fair ribbons. Her hobbies included porcelain and cloth doll construction with beautiful costuming, garment and purse construction, cross-stitch, embroidery, painting, flower pressing, card making, and collecting miniatures. Priscilla was an avid bridge player, and competitive at any game. Even at 103 years old she was an avid e-reader.

Left to cherish her memories are her daughters, Kitsie Hoyt Miller and spouse, Robert Miller of Columbia, SC, Mary Hoyt Witwer and spouse, Richard Witwer of Virginia Beach, VA, and her son Charles Edward Hoyt and spouse, Susan Hoyt of Charlotte, NC. She is also survived by her wonderful grandchildren, Priscilla Witwer and spouse Stacey Randolph, Andrew Miller and spouse, Julia Miller, Phillip Hoyt, Robert Hoyt, and Michael Hoyt and fiancé, Dallas Gedye, and her darling great-granddaughters, Layla, Brooklyn, Alma, Delilah, Risley, and many other family and friends.

A memorial service will be held on July 17, 2021 at 2:00 pm in Bethel United Methodist Church, 465 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA.  Additionally, a memorial service will be held on August 7, 2021 at 11:30 am in Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church at 530 Saint Andrews Road, Columbia, SC. Her ashes will be interred next to her husband in Forest Lake Presbyterian Church’s Memorial Garden at 6500 Trenholm Rd, Columbia, SC. Priscilla will be missed dearly by all her family and friends, and the fond memories they hold of her will never be forgotten.