Jean Hart
Jun 11, 2019
Jean Otis Loving Hart, 89, passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2019, at her home on Elk Creek Road in Mineral.
She was preceded in death by her husband, H. Garrett Hart, Jr., in 1973; and is survived by a son, H. Garrett Hart, III (Catherine); a daughter, Emma Katherine Talley (Jerry); four grandchildren, Grace Roto (Michael); Taylor Hart Olenych (Perry); Sunnie Wright and Nathan Wright (Jill); and four great-grandchildren, Sam, Ivy, Dusty and Drex.
Mrs. Hart was born on May 17, 1930, to James Otis and Lily Belle Loving of Louisa.
She attended Louisa County schools, graduated from LCHS in 1947, and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Longwood College (now Longwood University). She went on to teach in Fluvanna and Louisa counties, chairing the Social Studies department at Louisa County High School, from 1973 until her retirement in 1994.
As a high school teacher, Mrs. Hart established a remarkable connection with her students. She was affectionately known as “Momma Hart” to both them and their parents. Jean enthusiastically exposed hundreds of U.S. Government students to the complexities of local, state and federal government and politics. She shared her love of history, government and politics by arranging many field trips to Washington, D.C., the Virginia State Capitol and by hosting numerous guest speakers from local and state government. Mrs. Hart was also a masterful English teacher, sharing her expertise in the mechanics of oral and written grammar and composition.
In the community, Jean was a member of the Louisa Baptist Church. She was a president of the League of Women Voters, active in political circles and served as Louisa’s representative to the Piedmont Virginia Community College Board in the 1980’s. She was instrumental in arranging for PVCC classes to be taught for dual credit at Louisa County High School.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, June 21 at Woodward Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 22 at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Louisa Education Foundation, 953 Davis Highway, Mineral, VA 23117 or Heartland Hospice, 10800 Midlothian Turnpike, Suite 303 North Chesterfield VA 23235.
Online guest book is available at woodwardfuneral.com.
I loved this woman so much, teacher she was, but Momma Hart is what she was to me, H.G, Emma Kay your mother has more children all of which I am sure you have met. Every child she taught or knew she held a special place in her heart. A truly amazing woman, thank you both for sharing her with me, she always voice her opinion and was never shy about doing so, and for the most part she was right. Sending you and your family prayers.. R.I.P Momma Hart….
Momma Hart was one of the best teachers ever! She did have a passion for her subject matter but also had a wry sense of humor and a way of making history interesting. She will be greatly missed!
Quite simply she made a mark on us all and I loved her for her.
Mama Hart was the best. She made going to school fun. As hard as she tried, she couldn’t be hard on us. So many funny memories of her
I remember going around the county with her to all the polls. I didn’t need the extra credit. I just wanted to spend time with her. I have to say she was my favorite teacher. I know I’m going to miss her. Her family will always be in my prayers. Fly High, Momma Jean, Fly High.
I look back with fond memories of Momma Hart. She almost made going to school bearable. The one memory I have of her is the water pistol. Fortunately I never felt the wrath of the dreaded water pistol but I know one student in particular that did. We all had a big laugh when she squirted him in the back of the neck for sleeping in her class. Rest easy Momma Hart we love you.
Mrs Hart will always be remembered in my heart as a person who only saw another person as just that a person. When ever I saw her and that wasn’t often I’d ask her do you remember me she’d always saw yes Della Mallory I do and she’d give me the biggest hug. She was a great teacher and I can truly say I had the privilege of being in her class. She taught me how to do my taxes. She shall be remembered by many.
I remember your Mom fondly. My Mom, Mabel Harris would love visiting with her when we were at Ellerslie seeing my Grandfather. They were always laughing when they got together. Now your Mom is rejoicing in heaven. Thoughts and prayers for you all May peace comfort you as you reflect on your memories
Mary Virginia Harris PolonskyI remember your Mom fondly. My Mom, Mabel Harris would love visiting with her when we were at Ellerslie seeing my Grandfather. They were always laughing when they got together. Now your Mom is rejoicing in heaven. Thoughts and prayers for you all May peace comfort you as you reflect on your memories
I was not only graced by this awesome lady in high school as my teacher but was also graced later in life when I became a nurse and had the honor of caring for her several times while she was a patient at Louisa health and Rehab. She was so sweet the best of the best. Everyone should have at least one teacher like Momma Hart, I was Lucky I had her she taught us so much. Bless her and her family at this time.
I am so blessed to have been taught by Ms Hart as was my family. She taught my stepfather Monty Hiter, my brother Bob Vipperman, my sister and brother Carmen and Chris DiMartino, my brother Jimmy Vipperman and my brother Harry Hiter. When we reminisce about high school, she is a teacher about whom we can share funny and memorable stories. She is remembered and will be missed.
I didn’t have Mrs. Hart as a teacher, but was fortunate to work with her in civic circles, and visited her when she was at LH&RC. An amazing lady.
I will never forget Mrs. Hart as my teacher in High school. Her and I kept in touched after I graduated. She was a loving person with a big heart! My parents loved her and they became very good friends. She would take the time to talk with you. She will always have as special place in my heart and she will never be forgotten.
Momma Hart was the best !!!! She lead by example she spoke from the heart. She wanted every child in her class to excel. She knew what you were capable of doing but she did not like lazy students and if you were you had a nickname . I feel sorry for the students that were not BLESSED to have had her. She did her BEST here on earth sleep on Angel and take your rest. All the student at LCHS love you but God loved you best.
I will always remember how wonderful Momma Hart made my high school years. Looking back now she was absolutely incredible at reaching and teaching students! Surely our Lord has accepted her into His everlasting kingdom! Praying for her family’s great loss.
I love seeing how a teacher and engaged citizen are remembered. They make impacts to many without realizing it. To the Hart family, prayers go out towards you.
I truly love and respect Mrs. Hart. She made learning fun and she was always striving to help me become the best I could be. I know she is smiling down and I’m so glad she’s with her Heavenly Father getting the rest she so deserves. I am thankful I got to know Emma as she is “a chip off the old block”. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Mrs Hart was a wonderful woman and a fine teacher. She made me enjoy history and always was kind and encouraged the extra efforts of her students. You will be missed here butt welcomed in heaven.
What a wonderful lady. Cannot express my sorrow, but will always remember her kindness. A great friend.