Virginia Kathryn Hart, 76, of Magazine passed from this earth to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, Aug. 14, surrounded by family and loved ones at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith.
She was born Sept. 27, 1945, in Brownfield, Texas, to Gladner Ben “Jack” and Lillie Onetha Gregory.
She met the love of her life, Ernest “Ernie” Hart, Jr., and the two were married on April 23, 1967, in Portales, N.M. A loving and caring wife and mother, she and Ernie enjoyed 55 years of marriage, building a wonderful life together and raising a family of three children.
Her smile, happy and loving spirit and optimistic outlook on life were contagious, and she made everyone she met feel special and important.
A dedicated follower of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, she exhibited a true living-faith, showing love, gentleness, kindness and peacefulness to all in her always-humble way.
She was a former Sunday School teacher at Magazine First Assembly of God and was a member of Harmony Assembly of God.
She so loved Sunday family lunches and family and holiday get-togethers, particularly Christmas. She took great joy in giving gifts and spreading the real meaning of Christmas to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren through games she created centered on the Nativity.
She was retired from Today’s Kid’s toy factory in Booneville, where she made many friends and acquaintances over the years, and later in life, her desire for knowledge and skills led her to pursue – and earn – an associate’s degree in office management from the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith.
An avid sports fan, she spent countless hours and logged many miles following and rooting for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren while they played sports.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Gladner Ben “Jack” and Lillie Onetha Gregory of Magazine; two brothers, Elmer Gregory and Jack Jr. Gregory, of Magazine.
She is survived by her husband, Ernie Hart of Magazine; a daughter, Karen Hart Gipson and husband Jonathan of Magazine; two sons, Donald Hart and wife Beverly of Magazine and Frank Hart and wife Susie of Booneville; three sisters, Ila Mae Smith of Booneville; Bonnie Street and husband David of Magazine and Heidi Gregory of Greenwood; 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins, loved ones and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 19, at Harmony Assembly of God (1324 Greasy Valley Road, Paris). Pastor Tammy Frederick and Doby Williams will be officiating. Pallbearers will be Ray Gregory, Shannon Krigbaum, Robby Cowley, Donald Bogart, Ben Stine and O.T. Mott.
Honorary pallbearers will be Gary DeWitt, Larry Lowder, Kelly Smith, Dale Smith, Jimmy Gregory, Darrell Day, Rick Stine and all of her nephews/nephews-in-law.
Burial will be at Ellington Cemetery in Magazine under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home.
Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Home in Booneville. Memorial contributions may be made in the name of Virginia Hart to: Harmony Assembly of God Children/Youth Program, P.O. Box 454, Paris, AR 72855.
