💛 Celebrating the Life of Mattice Hoyt | Tacoma Memorial

Photography isn’t just about capturing moments — it’s about preserving legacy, honoring the people whose presence shaped our communities, and witnessing the deep connections between individuals and the city they loved. Recently, I had the profound honor of photographing the memorial service for Mattice Hoyt of Tacoma, WA — a vibrant community leader, business owner, and friend to many.

Mattice was known by many as the owner of Mattice Beauty Supply, a beloved fixture in Central Tacoma that became much more than a shop — it was a community gathering space full of support, joy, and empowerment.

Throughout her life, she embodied resilience, generosity, and authenticity, and she made an impact on countless people throughout Tacoma and beyond. The News Tribune+1

🌟 A Life Remembered in Full Color

The memorial service, hosted by Tacoma Arts Live, took place at The Armory and was a powerful celebration of Mattice’s life, bringing together family, friends, and community members who came to honor her memory. The program highlighted the depth of her influence, and many voices helped tell her story:

• Welcome & Greeting by Rev. Shalom Agtarap of Tacoma’s First United Methodist Church

• Opening Prayer by Rev. Jesse Parker, a dear friend of the family

• Words of Wisdom (Scripture Reading) from Matthew 5: Selected Verses

• Sermon: “The Gospel According to Mattice” delivered by Rev. Shalom Agtarap

• Special Music: His Eye Is on the Sparrow performed by Cydney J

• Reflections on a Life with readings by Dr. Broderick Higgins, Teya Brown (lifelong friend), Eduardo Cruz (lifelong friend), and Chris Hoyt (Mattice’s husband)

• In Her Own Words: Mattice’s Poetry read by Teya Anjulene Leon

• Slideshow Remembrance presented on the huge curved Tacoma Arts Live screen showing three images at a time, beautifully capturing moments from Mattice’s life and the people she loved.

The service also included a litany for survival by Audre Lorde and a closing blessing by Rev. Shalom Agtarap. Each segment honored not just her life, but her spirit — the ways she lifted others, fought for equity, and made Tacoma feel like home to so many. The News Tribune

🌆 Remembering Tacoma’s “Unofficial Mayor”

In local conversations and news coverage, Mattice was affectionately known as Tacoma’s unofficial mayor, a testament to her influence and presence in the community. She used her voice to elevate others, shared civic insights with her customers, and created a space where people felt supported — whether they were seeking beauty products or companionship, political insight or practical advice. KIRO 7 News Seattle

Her store opened in 2020 and persevered through the COVID-19 pandemic and personal health challenges, including surviving cancer twice and navigating life as a double amputee. Throughout it all, Mattice remained committed to serving Tacoma with heart, humor, and unwavering strength. KIRO 7 News Seattle

The memorial gathering featured a slideshow on the Tacoma Arts Live giant curved screen, showing images of Mattice with her loved ones, in her shop, on community outings — offering everyone a moment to reflect, laugh, and remember the warmth she shared with those around her.

📸 Preserving Legacy Through Images

Photographing a memorial, especially for someone as impactful as Mattice Hoyt, is a profound responsibility. These services are deeply emotional, visually rich, and filled with stories — from the ceremonial readings and music to the shared reflections of family and friends.

Whether it’s a memorial service, community celebration, school performance, or civic gathering, professional photography and videography help families and communities remember, reflect, and honor the people and moments that shape their lives.

💛 A Community That Mourns and Celebrates

Tacoma lost a unique and vibrant light in Mattice Hoyt — a person whose courage, generosity, and presence will continue to echo through the lives she touched. Her beauty supply store wasn’t just a business; it was a community hub, a place where people felt seen and supported. Mattice’s civic engagement stretched far beyond her shop’s walls — she helped neighbors understand local leadership, encouraged voting, and made space for others to show up fully in their lives and contributions. tacomaweekly.com

Recording this memorial was an honor I approach with deep care. These images will help her family and the community look back on this day of remembrance, see the honor in every prayer and song, and continue to celebrate the legacy Mattice built in Tacoma.

🎞️ Capture Your Community’s Moments

Memorial services, celebrations of life, and community tributes deserve sensitive, thoughtful documentation — photography and video that preserve not just visuals, but emotion and memory. My work focuses on covering those life-defining events with professionalism and care across Tacoma, Seattle, and the Greater Puget Sound region — including memorials, civic ceremonies, and community milestones.

If you are planning a service, tribute, or celebration of life and want imagery that honors the individual and their impact, I would be honored to capture it.