Nancy Locke Hart

In true Nancy fashion, she left this world during her last family party, her husband, daughters, and sons (in law) with her, sharing love and laughter, memories and grief.

Mom was sunlight. Her family, friends, and patients basked in her warmth. She had the uncanny ability to make you feel seen, loved, supported, and encouraged. Like the sun, people and even animals gravitated towards her to catch a few of her rays.

Mom had two primary motivations in her life: family and Jesus.

Family life was defined by events together: family dinners, trips to the beach, soccer or basketball games of her children and then grandchildren. With mom, life was worthy of celebration. Whether sewing a quilt, watching a sci-fi show or film, doing a puzzle, or “scoring” at the thrift store, life with mom always had zest and gusto, even on otherwise ordinary days. She especially showered her love on her grandsons, making her home their Disneyland and attending every key moment starting with their first breaths.

Mom’s life was also defined by Jesus. This occurred in some ways that we all recognize: going to church, singing in choir, and years and years of communion with the “Bible study gals.”

However, Mom also designed her life to take her faith outside of the church. A third generation and lifelong nurse, Mom focused her life’s work on the people who needed it most. She worked in psychiatric wards, free clinics, and a Title I school, professionally. In her free time, she volunteered at the Rescue Mission free clinic, and the foot clinic for the elderly through Acts 2 ministry.

Mom was especially passionate about underprivileged people outside the US. She did short-term missions in Mexico, Kenya, Brazil, Russia, and multiple trips providing free clinics in El Salvador.

At home, Mom made the Hart household a safe house, allowing children, teens, or college students in need to stay for days or weeks. She was always looking out for people who needed care and love.

Mom will be missed and remembered. If she were here, I think she would remind us all to love God and love people. Therefore, the best way to further her legacy is to be generous with your love, kindness, and time and to always look for opportunities to serve people who may be struggling or ignored. To love like Nancy is to warm the hearts and lives of those around you, both near and far.

Nancy is survived by her spouse of 40 years, Michael Hart. They loved each other to the very end.

She is also survived by daughters, Rachel Jewell and Lexi Staton, their spouses, Stephen Jewell and Stephen Staton, and by the lights of her life, grandsons Josiah and Ezra Jewell.

Love you, wife. Love you, Mom. Love you, Mommom. Love you, dear friend and family. We miss you.

Memorial service at Movement Church, 4301 Patterson Avenue, Richmond VA on January 9 at 5:00 pm, and at Parkway Church on the Mountain in Roanoke VA, schedule TBD.

In lieu of flowers or other gifts, please donate to the Nancy Hart Memorial Fund, where all proceeds will be donated to Parkway Church on the Mountain for the benefit of those in need in their supported churches in El Salvador- where Nancy served as a medical missionary.