Willie Marvin Hoyle

Willie Marvin Hoyle, affectionately known to his family as “Brother or Bruh” was born to the late Mark and Gracie Hoyle on June 3, 1946, in Elmore County, AL. He was the oldest brother of eight siblings. Willie Marvin Hoyle transitioned to his Heavenly Father on May 3, 2020, at Medilodge Nursing Facility Kalamazoo, MI.

Marvin received his formal education and graduated from his beloved Robert Russa “R.R.” Moton High School,” home of the Bulldogs” in Tallassee, AL, in 1964. He was a celebrated athlete where he excelled at football and other sports. After Graduation, he enlisted in the Airforce. While stationed in Panama City Florida, he met a young lady walking from school name Luvern Bryant, the two dated and married June 10, 1967. After his tour of duty in Germany, Marvin and his wife set off to Benton Harbor, MI. To this union, two lovely children were born.

Marvin accepted Christ at an early age.  He joined Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church and was baptized under the tutelage of the late Rev. G. W. Bradford. He was very active in his church and faithfully attended Sunday School and sang in the choir. His humble fostering in the church was exemplified throughout his adult life. He joined Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Pastor Fred Simmons, he then joined New Covenant Baptist Church under Pastor Rodney Chester Gulley. He eventually found his final church home, and settled at Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of James O Childs where he served as a Deacon, Director and lead singer of the Male Chorus and the Progressive Missionary Baptist Church Brotherhood until his health declined.

Marvin was well known for his jokes and his tall tales, he enjoyed good conversation especially concerning the Bible and historic events to anyone with a listening ear.  Marvin enjoyed his favorite pass time playing bingo and watching his beloved football. If you would call him in the morning and ask where he is, he would say I am at McDonald's, hanging out with my boys, which he would do faithfully every morning. He also enjoyed keeping in contact with his surviving childhood friends from Tallassee, Alabama to keep up with everything going on at home.

Marvin was employed at Mercy Hospital, Whirlpool, and Atlantic Automotive from which he retired.

Marvin is preceded in death by his parents Mark and Gracie Hoyle, Life-long Friend, former wife, and mother of his children, Luvern Hoyle, sisters: Maggie B. Smith, Marguerite Dixon, Lois E. Ricks, Mary L. McKenzie, Belinda F. Hoyle, and only brother Odell M. Hoyle.

Marvin is survived by his daughter, Kenya (Rev Thomas) Fields, of Benton Harbor, MI, his son Marvin (Kennethia) Hoyle of Kalamazoo, MI, One sister Precious Head of Eclectic Alabama, Two brothers-in-law J.T. Smith of Notasulga, AL, and Jimmy Ricks, Tallassee, AL.   He also leaves to cherish his memories seven grandchildren: Devarez Hoyle of Dowagiac, MI, Zavion Hoyle, Zion Hoyle, Amari Hoyle, all of Benton Harbor, MI, Marvin Hoyle Jr, and Kamarra Hoyle of Kalamazoo, MI. One great-grandson Ty’shon Hoyle of Dowagiac, MI. A host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and nephews, cousins, and friends.

His extended Michigan family brothers and sisters, Carolyn Booth, Jessie (Mary) Whitfield, James Cooper Jr, and Larry (Pam) Cooper, Dennis Cooper, Rose Cooper, all of Benton Harbor, MI. Jackie Cooper of Muskegon MI. Solomon Rivers, Jr. Tuskegee, AL

Special friends that would go and see him and help while he was sick, his Pastor James Childs, Charles(Diane) Dale, Raymond McGee, Phil Harris, Jack Campbell, and Gregory Eaton and last but not least The McDonald’s crew of veterans and deacons from local churches around the community. A special longtime companion Carolyn Bledsoe.

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