Betty Goad Hart

Betty Goad Hart, 78, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on Monday, July 8, 2024 with her family by her side. Known throughout the community for her joyous nature, love of life, and dedication to education, Betty will be missed by all who knew her.

Betty was born on October 18, 1945 in South Boston, Virginia, where she spent her childhood. In 1968, she graduated from Longwood College with a degree in home economics. Her love of learning lead her to become a teacher.

Shortly after her college graduation, she married the love of her life, her husband, James Hart, Sr., on June 5, 1968. They spent the next 56 years happily married and devoted to each other.

In 1976, Betty and James were blessed with their son, Jim, and words cannot describe the love she had for their only child. Betty’s greatest joy in life was being a mother and later a grandmother to her grandsons, Jaxton and Bracen. Betty loved spending time with her family and could be found volunteering at her grandsons’ schools and cheering them on through all their life events.

Betty taught in Mecklenburg County Public Schools for 33 years. She was a phenomenal teacher and touched the lives of countless students. She taught at both Clarksville Elementary School and Bluestone Middle School, inspiring students in a variety of subjects including reading, science, social studies, and work and family studies. She served as the advisor for the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), where she organized career fairs, banquet dinners, volunteer opportunities, and numerous trips for her students. As a teacher, Betty strived to encourage her students to do their best and believe in themselves.

Betty was an avid reader and enjoyed discussing books with her friends and daughter-in-law, Deitra. She loved to travel, and especially loved spending time at the beach. Betty loved fashion and could often be found shopping at Belk. She loved watching football games and the Game Show Network, having her morning coffee and reading daily devotionals with James, and entertaining her family and friends by cooking fantastic meals.

She was a lifelong member of Hitesburg Baptist Church, where she taught the Women’s Sunday School Class, lead the senior citizens fellowship, sang in the choir, and helped with numerous Vacation Bible Schools and church events. She greatly appreciated the love and fellowship of her church family.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, James Hart, son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Deitra Hart, grandsons Jaxton Hart and Bracen Hart, sister and brother-in-law, Barbara Ann and Allen Walker, brother and sister-in-law, Stover and Marion Morris,and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Betty will always be remembered for her love of family, compassion for others, and her ability to lead and encourage others.

Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Hitesburg Baptist Church in Virgilina, with Rev. Ian Rigney conducting the service. Visitation will be held at 1 p.m. before the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hitesburg Baptist Church in memory of Betty Hart.