Clarksville, TN – Gai Thi Hoyt passed away peacefully on January 17th, 2026, at her home in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 88.
Born on September 12th, 1937, Gai built a beautiful life rooted in family, love, and generosity. She was the heart of her home, and nothing brought her more joy than caring for those she loved. Her kitchen was a place of warmth and laughter, where she lovingly prepared favorite Vietnamese dishes for each family member’s birthday. These moments of cooking, celebrating, and simply being together were among her most treasured memories.
When she wasn’t in the kitchen, Gai could often be found tending to her beloved flower beds around her home, where she found peace and purpose in nurturing beauty to life. She also lovingly cared for a vegetable garden, which she proudly shared with her family and friends. True to her generous spirit, she never hesitated to share the abundance of her garden with others.
Gai had a playful, silly side that shone brightest with her grandchildren. Her humor, expressions, and lighthearted mischief were especially adored by them, creating bonds filled with laughter and unforgettable moments. To her family, she was not only a caretaker but a source of comfort, joy, and unconditional love. Her greatest joy was her role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She poured her heart into her family’s happiness and leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories that will live on through them.
Gai was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Terry Heap, and her devoted son, Gene Van Hoyt. She is survived by her loving daughters, Yen Hoyt (Ronnie Waller) and Sara (Hector) Guerra, and her daughter-in-law, Paula Towne-Hoyt. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Antonio Jett, Shanai Jett, Kayla (Will) Thornberry, and Austin (Alex) Guerra; her great-granddaughters, Taliyah and Sarena Arnold; great-grandsons, Tristen and Adam Kelly and Xavier Thornberry; bonus great-grandson Ty Waller; bonus great-granddaughter Bre Thornberry.
Visitation will be held at McReynolds, Nave & Larson Funeral Home from 10:00am to 12:00pm on Friday, January 23rd, 2026. A private family service will follow at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West, where she will be laid to rest.
The family sincerely thanks everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and love during this time of deep loss. Forever Loved, Forever Remembered.
About McReynolds-Nave and Larson Funeral
Serving the families of greater Montgomery and Houston county areas
For more than 100 years, McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home in Clarksville, TN, has been serving the families of greater Montgomery County and Houston County. We are one of the many funeral homes in Clarksville, TN, that understand the importance of offering quality services. From start to finish, your family can trust that our caring and knowledgeable staff will be here to assist you every step of the way. We offer affordably priced funeral , cremation , and memorial services that are designed to meet your family’s needs and budget.
With two locations to serve you, our funeral homes in Clarksville, TN, and Erin, TN can help you honor your loved one and say goodbye. Each year, we help hundreds of families in the area say meaningful goodbyes to their departed loved ones.
Our staff is comprised of some of the most experienced, knowledgeable, and caring funeral professionals in the industry. We understand that the loss of a loved one is a difficult time for a family. Our compassionate team will work hard to help you arrange a service that not only celebrates the legacy of your loved one but also provides your family with the closure and goodbye you need. From the first call to long after the service has ended, our team will be here to provide you with the resources and guidance you need.
We pledge to honor your loved one with dignity, respect, and personal attention to every detail. With two beautiful facilities, 24/7 service, and caring and knowledgeable staff, we are confident your family will have peace of mind in knowing that our family will be here for you when you need us.
For more information, visit their website at www.navefuneralhomes.com
