Hagos N. Hoard

In Loving Memory of Hagos Nia Hoard

Hagos Nia Hoard, age 47, passed away on May 12, 2026, surrounded by the love of family and friends after a life marked by faith in God’s redeeming love, compassion, perseverance, and ministry. He was born to Michael Keith Hoard and the late Towanna Lee Hoard on August 31, 1978, in Detroit, Michigan, where he was raised in a home grounded in faith, love, and service to others.

Hagos graduated high school from University Liggett School in 1996, and then attended the University of Michigan on the Evans Scholarship before leaving school to serve in the Adventures In Missions (AIM) program. Through AIM he served as a missionary in Brazil where he learned to speak Portuguese fluently. Hagos was set free from the chains of drug addiction through the power of the Holy Spirit as a student at Adult & Teen Challenge Mid-America (ATCM) where he later faithfully served, dedicating his life to helping men overcome addiction, brokenness, and hopelessness through the power of Jesus Christ. Teaching, mentoring, counseling, and encouraging others at ATCM was more than a profession, it was his calling. Using the gift of fluency in Portuguese, Hagos also served as a missionary associate through Teen Challenge International serving in Brazil where he trained staff at 25 Teen Challenge centers, preached the gospel in 7 different states and touched many lives during his 2 years there. Thousands of people have been impacted by his wisdom, compassion, discipleship, and unwavering belief that no life is beyond redemption.

Hagos loved people deeply. He loved meaningful conversations, teaching the word of God, laughing with family and friends, and encouraging anyone who was struggling. He also enjoyed movies and stories that brought people together, especially Marvel, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter. Whether through ministry, friendship, or simple everyday moments, he had a way of making people feel seen, valued, and understood.

Even through serious health challenges, including a kidney transplant on Christmas Eve 2022, which became a testimony to many, Hagos remained steadfast in faith and continued serving others with humility and gratitude.

One of the greatest joys of Hagos’ life was marrying Lindsay Williams on August 3, 2025. After years spent fully devoted to ministry and surrendering their personal desires to God, the two were brought together through friendship, prayer, and a shared servant’s heart. Their marriage became a beautiful testimony of God’s faithfulness and goodness. As Hagos battled cancer the last year of his life, Lindsay’s dedication, sacrifice, and love for him was one of God’s greatest gifts.

Hagos’ life was a living example of Galatians 6:9 “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Hagos is survived by his beloved wife, Lindsay Williams Hoard; his father, Michael Hoard; sister and husband, Jamila and Clinton Hodge; sister and husband Fanta and Imad-al-Deen Abdullah; sister Nicola Carter, nephew Malik Abdullah (22), nieces Layla Abdullah (19), Nylah Hodge (13), and Zaria Hodge (12). He was preceded in death by his nephew Joshua Quicksey. He is also survived by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Sonny and Nichelle Fullen, brother-in-law and wife Rory & Ayo Fullen, brother-in-law Isaiah Fullen, sister-in-law Johannah Fullen; the Williams United Kingdom family; his godson Samuel Brian Hill II; extended family and several special adopted nieces; his church and ministry family and countless friends and brothers in Christ whose lives were forever changed through his love, mentorship, and faith. Please join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Hagos Nia Hoard on Saturday, May 30th at Cornerstone Church. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Adult & Teen Challenge Mid-America to support their life-saving work.