Mrs. Temperance Wynell Hoyal

Mrs. Temperance W. "Tempy" Hoyal, age 85, formally of 135 Shasta Drive, Thomaston, died November 2, 2026.

A homecoming celebration and time of storytelling will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday November 8, with a visitation prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 PM at Thomaston First Methodist Church sanctuary, with Rev. John Halley and Rev. Andy Cunningham officiating. A private family burial will take place in Glenwood Cemetery following her celebration.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Reuben Carlton Hoyal; parents, Ben Earl and Katherine Dowdy; brother Jimmy E. Dowdy, and great-granddaughter, River Lynn Simmons. She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Mendy (Alan) Simmons of Dadeville, AL; son, Ben Hoyal (Holly) of Griffin, GA; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Cheatham of Canton, GA and Grace Dowdy of Thomaston, GA; grandchildren, Peyton Hoyal (Adrian), William C. Simmons (Catherine), A.J. Simmons (Meghan), and Perry Hoyal (Lauren); and great grandchildren, Eleanor, Vada and Paxton Hoyal, Sadie, Cooper, Waverly, and Campbell Simmons.

Tempy’s extensive work legacy began shortly after marriage to Carlton in 1960. She was employed by Thomaston Mills office division for several years. A job promotion for her husband with the Georgia State Patrol soon led them to Newnan, Ga. where she worked in data processing for the William L. Bonnell Aluminum Company. After her return to Thomaston in 1971, Tempy began her 27-year career with The Bank of Upson and retired as a VP of Customer Service in 1998.

While enjoying the retired life, she spent many years traveling with her “modern cowboy” Carlton. Their yearly adventures out West fulfilled life-long dreams for them both. Tempy stepped back into work life, serving as the Executive Director of TUAC, in 2003. She served several terms as the Director and wore many hats while working and volunteering for TUAC, which include Membership Chair and Corporate Sponsor liaison. TUAC was Tempy’s heart and soul, and her dedication and own talents to Thomaston’s Arts Council never ceased even during her later years. To round out her committed work life, Tempy worked for her former home church, Thomaston First Baptist, as Administrative Assistant and pastoral secretary, which she retired from in 2021 at the age of 80.

Tempy’s faith-walk and salvation were very important to her and remained steadfast until she could no longer attend in person. Her memberships at both Thomaston First Methodist and Thomaston First Baptist were deeply rooted in “service to others.” Her Sunday School memberships at both churches, held life-long friendships with opportunities that allowed her “servants- heart” to shine.

Tempy truly loved serving her community. Some of her community service outreaches included; Thomaston Historic Preservation Committee; Membership on the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce; president and treasurer, Thomaston-Upson County United Way; Board of Directors, Flint Tech School of Business; treasurer, Empty Stocking Fund; and participation in the V.I.P. Reading Program at the Upson-Lee Elementary School. Tempy alsofaithfully served her church(s) as well. Participation in many on-going ministry programs, most of which centered around feeding her fellow church family, especially in the making and baking of desserts. She never met a dessert she didn’t like and got great pleasure in sharing her creations.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to “The Pearl” memory care facility and its staff at “The Pheonix at Opelika” in Opelika, Alabama. Also, Dadeville Healthcare in Dadeville, Alabama. The loving and tender care exhibited to Mrs. Tempy (Temp-Temp), never went unnoticed. Also, to Compassus Hospice & Palliative Care in Auburn, Alabama. Every member of this organization, from nursing staff, counselors and pastoral support, was so person-centered, and gave exceptional care to mother and support for our family. They are true champions of the hospice journey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the Thomaston Upson Arts Council (TUAC), P.O. Box 211, Thomaston, GA. 30286.

Fletcher-Day Funeral Home is honored to serve the Hoyal family. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at fletcherdayfuneralhome.com.