Jacqueline L. Hoy

Jacqueline L. Hoy, a potter who gained a wide following for her whimsical ceramic art, died Monday, May 21, 2012 at her home in Abingdon, VA, following a lengthy illness. She was 61.

Ms. Hoy was an accomplished ceramicist who learned her craft at the University of Virginia. She exhibited her work in studios and craft shows around the Northeast and South, and later opened her own studio and shop in Northern New York. She incorporated nature into her work, painting teapots and bowls in vibrant shades and skillfully decorated them with freely-drawn birds and other animals.

But her family and wide circle of friends remember her best for her gentle and generous spirit. People from all walks of life were drawn to her and her laughter. Her many friends often marveled at the ease with which she made new friends among people of all ages and backgrounds.

Ms. Hoy was born on April 19, 1951 in Midland, Michigan, the eldest of four children of Polly and John Hoy. She was in the first class to graduate from Jefferson Middle School, and graduated from Midland High School in 1969. She studied art history at Michigan State University and the College of William and Mary before majoring in pottery at the University of Virginia.

Her two daughters, Jessica and Alyssa, were the pride and joy of her life. She lately had found a new source of delight with the anticipated birth of her first grandchild in October of this year. Ms. Hoy worked for five years as a social worker in New York, helping young mothers gain the skills they needed to take care of their children. This experience left a deep impression on Jackie, as she was called by everyone who knew and loved her, who donated generously of both her time and money to those who were not as rich in love and close personal relationships as she was herself.

She met her husband, Randy Barnes, while living in New York, and they married in 1993. They relocated to the milder clime of southwest Virginia in 2008, while continuing to maintain a summer residence in their beloved Chateaugay.

In Abingdon, Ms. Hoy opened a studio in her home and taught pottery classes in the William King Museum Center for Art and Cultural Heritage. Through her renewed hobbies of swimming, playing cards, church activities, and participating in sessions at the Arts Depot Wednesday Painters, she made even more friends.

Ms. Hoy is predeceased by her father, John Hoy, and beloved aunt, Arline Kroeger. Ms. Hoy is survived by her husband, Randy; daughter Jessica and son-in-law Mark Bellomo of Kingston, NY; daughter Alyssa and son-in-law Tim Murray of St. Louis, MO; her mother, Polly Hoy-Colton of Midland, MI; her sisters Barbara (Mark) Reynolds of Antrim, NH; Kathleen (Peter) Bullard of Saranac Lake, NY; her brother, Michael (Tina) Hoy of Midland, MI; her close cousins, Jeff Kroeger of Traverse City, MI; Lee Kroeger of Los Angeles, CA; and Jennifer Buckley of Rochester, NY. She is also survived by one niece, three nephews, and other numerous devoted family members.

Jackie's memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, May 27, 2012, at Abingdon United Methodist Church with the Rev. Walter Weikel and Dr. Paul Rader officiating. Ms. Hoy will be inurned in Brainardsville, NY, next to her father in a small family cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Ms. Hoy has asked for mourners to make a contribution to the charity of their choice.

The family of Ms. Hoy would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to their family, friends, Mountain States Hospice, and Abingdon United Methodist Church, for their generosity and support.

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guestbook.

The family of Ms. Hoy is being cared for by Farris Cremation and Funeral Center, 19415 Lee Hwy, Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700).