Margaret Dean Hoard

Fiercely loyal, confidant to many, determined, organized, warm, compassionate, trustworthy and feisty, these are just a few words that describe Margaret Dean Hoard.

Her story began on October 12, 1932, born in the countryside of White Hall Alabama to Willie Gresham and Patsy McLemore. At the age of four Margaret and her mother made the long trip to start her life up north in Pittsburgh PA. with just their faith and each other. Little did she know at the time Pittsburgh would be the city she lay her roots and plant many seeds. Margaret grew up in the legendary Hill District neighboorhood graduating from Schenley High School.

She remained an only child until she was nine years old and the last of her four siblings arrived when she was 21. Beginning her own family in 1952 her first daughter Sherry was born. Margaret was known as a nucleus in the family so when Patsy her mother unexpectedly passed away while her siblings were still young. Margaret stepped in and became the family matriarch. Her siblings affectionately referred to her as sister/mom. She met Maurice Hoard Sr. who was in the army at the time and in 1953 they were later married later having Maurice II in 1960 and Tracey in 1962.

An avid Steelers fan she could be heard passionately coaching her team with her terrible towel on any given Sunday. Margaret was a legend in the kitchen and her family get-togethers were legendary as the delicious soulful food she served with lots of love and lots of seasoning. A social butterfly--her gatherings were all were welcomed and immediately became part of the family. Her home was a safe home for many, if only for a few minute chat or if a place to lay your head was needed. Family, lifelong friends, friends of the family and anyone that needed an ear, knew their secrets would be safe when they confided in her. Her no-nosense feisty personality was balanced with warmth and type of loyalty you'd be blessed to experience in your lifetime if she had your back, she really had your back.

She was the treasurer for the Glenn Hazel tenant council for many years, which put her organizational and trustworthy characteristics to use. Glenn Hazel was the neighborhood she loved and called home for five decades. Margaret loved God and enjoyed her weekly Bible studies at Glenn Hazel Senior Center, and looked forward to her nightly prayer calls with her sisters. One thing is for sure, Margaret planted seeds of wisdom and values that have blossomed into beautiful fruitful trees in those that have experienced her.

Margaret moved to Philadelphia to live with her oldest daughter on Mother's Day 2017 after her health had been declining. On February 18th 2019 she transitioned to the next chapter in Chestnut Hill Hospital leaving behind a fruitful legacy of all the seeds planted throughout her 86 years. 

"By their fruit, you will recognize them" Margaret is survived by her children Sherry Hoard-Ashton, Maurice Hoard and Tracey Hoard-Williams,Son-in-Law Robert Ashton. Grandchildren  Shawna Hoard, Tiffany Clotaire. Thomas Kenneth Williams III, Jarrett Williams Siblings Lawrence Powell Sr. Patricia Whitfield, Diane Roberts, Denis Pinckney, Sister- in -Law Nadine Powell Brother in Laws AndrePickney, James Roberts and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, family and friends.

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