Dianna Hobbs Breaks Silence Following Father's Passing: ‘My Heart Aches’
Written By Amy Bertinelli // EEW Magazine Online
Key Facts
Dianna Hobbs has publicly addressed the death of her father, Bishop Joseph Brinson, Sr., for the first time in a heartfelt devotional titled The Power of Yes, Lord.
Her final memory of him was watching via FaceTime as he worshiped and sang “Yes, Lord” shortly before passing, despite being in critical condition.
The devotion explores obedience, divine restoration, and the power of surrender
BUFFALO, NY — In a heartfelt reflection following the death of her father, Bishop Joseph Brinson, Sr., award-winning ministry leader and EEW Magazine publisher Dianna Hobbs broke her public silence, revealing powerful final memories of the man who mentored her in faith and shaped her calling.
Brinson, 90, transitioned into eternity on July 2, 2025, following complications from kidney failure and other health challenges. In a deeply personal devotion titled The Power of Yes, Lord published on YourDailyCupOfInspiration.com, Hobbs said, “The last time I heard his voice, Daddy was singing a song of surrender to the Lord. Yes to His will.”
“Though my heart aches from the loss,” she added, “that memory brings me comfort and joy. Even in the valley of the shadow of death, my father was found worshiping, surrendering, obeying.”
In her ministry newsletter, Hobbs further honored her father’s life and spiritual legacy. “He was my first ever mentor in ministry,” she wrote. “The one who taught me the importance of fidelity to Scripture. He molded me in the ways of the Lord and pushed me to use my gift of singing and preaching, even when I felt afraid.”
Brinson, a seasoned pastor and soul-winner whose evangelistic work extended internationally—even as far as North Korea—was remembered not only for his ministry reach, but for his role as a spiritual anchor in Hobbs’ life.
“At the lowest moments of my life, when I was at death's door, he was there praying for me, encouraging me to believe God,” she said. “His prayers always brought me comfort, and God would show up in miraculous ways.”
Although she acknowledged the complexity of grief, calling it “layered,” “complex,” “unpredictable,” “and on some days, suffocating,” Hobbs said her peace is rooted in faith. “I know I’ll see him again. And knowing this, it is truly well with my soul.”
She added, “My joy remains full. My peace holds steady. My heart yet rests in the sure promises of God.”
Hobbs said her father’s legacy continues to live through her ministry. “Daddy planted seeds in me that will continue to produce until the Lord calls me home,” she wrote. “Until that day, I am honored to serve you and to partner with you to transform the world through the Gospel.”
In The Power of Yes, Lord, Hobbs drew a parallel between her father’s final surrender and the biblical theme of obedience, encouraging readers to trust God in difficult seasons.
“Your obedience, even when it costs you everything, is not wasted,” she wrote. “Heaven sees it. God honors it. And in due time, you will reap the harvest of your surrender.”
To read the full devotion, visit YourDailyCupOfInspiration.com.