Lezell Hiawatha Hart

Lezell (Zell) Hiawatha Hart was born as the 10th of 11 children to J.D. and Virgil Virginia McWright Hart on March 6, 1933. His birthplace was Big Springs, TX near Henderson, TX.

In the 1950’s he served his country both in the Air Force and the Marines. His service included Korean War Service, receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal.

For 56 of his 91 years, he was married to Estelle Jewell Hart. Many of us remember their Pomeranian dogs Mike and Rico. He has 5 daughters Cynthia, Debra (deceased), Dessie, Rosalind (daughters

of Dorthy Hart) and Elizabeth (daughter of Mary Lee Hart). Lezell started his work life in his early teens as a waiter working at The Warwick Hotel, The Rice Hotel and Christie’s Seafood. He completed training as a machinist in 1966 and a short time after obtained the status of Journeyman Machinist. He worked for many years with Grove Valve & Regulator Co. and Westinghouse Electric Corp.

Lezell accepted Christ at an early age and received his early spiritual growth at Mt. Corinth

Missionary Baptist Church. His church experiences included being selected to be a Deacon.

He was ordained on August 26, 1990 at New Hope Baptist Church in Union City, CA under

Pastor Theodore Fields.

Upon returning to Houston, he joined The Church Without Walls and along with Mother

Johnelle West and Pastor Crawford Kimble started a senior adult bible study and fellowship.

The ministry originally named F.O.S.S. (Family of Seasoned Saints) is now called S.A.L.T.,

(Senior Adults Living Triumphally) is a major part of the church today.

Zell had moved to Brookdale Memorial City – Independent Living Apartments. He was enjoying meeting new friends and renewing his love for dominoes and pinochle and had attended his first ever LaCross game. New friends and the Brookdale staff were all getting acquainted. But he did not forget his old friends on Modbury Street. He went home to be with the Lord on May 21, 2024.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Estelle Jewel Hart, his parents J.D and Virgil Virginia Hart, Brothers: John Robert Hart, Reverend J.T. Hart, Jesse Anderson Hart, Franklin Eugene Hart; Sisters: Nellie Beth Hart Terry, Ruth Marie Hart Catchings, Alice Alene Hart Spencer and Nance Ellen Hart Chatmon and also, Daughter: Debra Hart. He leaves to cherish his memory, two Sisters: Carrie Earl Kerl and Emma Lee Jackson, Daughters: Cynthia Marie Akins (Gerald), Dessie Cassandra Hart, Rosalind Louise Williams (Keith) and Elizabeth Ann Bering (Harold). A Goddaughter Dr. Latosha Flowers, a host of

grandchildren, great grand and great, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

A visitation for Lezell will be held Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Church Without Walls, 5725 Queenston Blvd, Houston, TX 77084, followed by a funeral service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.