Rev. Thomas James Hart, affectionately known as “Joe-Joe & Pop-Pop”, was a man of excellence and honor who entered this world on February 25, 1949 and fulfilled his purpose on October 10, 2019. Thomas James Hart was born to Thomas James Brooks and Johnnie Beatrice Hart on February 25, 1949 in Clearwater, Florida. He leaves to cherish his faithful, loving wife, Yvonne B. Hart, One Son: Deltarnez Hart, Five Daughters: Tonyea Smith (Phillip), R. Angel Cardell, Keyoughtey Greene (Calvin), TyraNashay McNeil (Jimmy), Schwanda McDonald (Willie) and LaTasha Henderson (Entonian), Eight Brothers, Three Sisters, Thirty-three Grandchildren, Twenty-five Great-grandchildren, Best Friend: Drew Morris and a Host of Relatives and Friends.
Rev. Hart’s jovial personality, use of “big” words, giving spirit, exuberant laughter that could be heard from miles away, and a great sense of humor, will be etched in our hearts for eternity. To the community, he was an educator, visionary, leader and friend. To his devoted family, he was a protector, provider, counselor, and a wonderful example of a man of God. His awesome legacy of love, service and devotion will never be forgotten.
Rev. Hart served as senior pastor of St. Mark United Church of Christ located in the Berkley Section of Norfolk, Virginia for thirty-one years.
He loved his St. Mark, UCC Family. Rev. Hart is a former Probation Officer for the Department of Youth and Family Services for the Commonwealth of Virginia; he was assigned as liaison to the Norfolk Marine Institute that serves At-Risk-High Risk Youth and their families and also was an Intensive Probation and Parole officer. Rev. Hart served honorably in the U.S. Army. He is a Vietnam Veteran and a former Drill Sergeant. He is also a former licensed private investigator.
Rev. Hart graduated from the E.O. Douglas High School in Sebring, Florida. He has attended Savannah State College in Savannah, Ga., Virginia Wesleyan of Norfolk, Va., The United Christian Institute of Trenton, N.J. and the Virginia Seminary at Norfolk. Rev. Hart also attended Virginia Union School Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. He has received degrees in religion, theology and sociology with a focus on Criminal Justice.
He was very active in the church, community and schools. He served as the former President of the Eastern Virginia Association of the Southern Conference of the United Church of Christ. He served as a member of the Church & Ministry Commission in the EVA of the Southern Conference of the UCC. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Southern Conference of the UCC. He has served in the chaplaincy of the Norfolk city jail and the Norfolk Sentara hospital. Rev. Hart has received numerous awards, citations, letters of commendation to include Presidential medals and ribbons and other forms of recognition.
Rev. Thomas James Hart’s favorite saying is, “If I can help someone along the way, then my living will not be in vain.”
Condolences(14)-
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Estherine J. Harding says
October 15, 2019 at 10:51 amSincere and heartfelt sympathy is being extended to Dr. Hart’s family, members of St. Mark UCC, friends and to all who knew and loved him. He is sorely missed for his kind, loving, caring spirit, and gracious smile.
As a member of District #1 Order of the Eastern Star of VA, PHA, Inc., I felt truly welcomed to worship at St. Mark UCC in Berkley when our group would come. I know Dr. Hart is now resting in the arms of Jesus for all his kingdom building efforts. May God grant comfort and peace unto his loved ones during this most difficult time.
Sante O. Smith says
October 15, 2019 at 11:11 amJesus, Be The Comforter to Hart Family during this difficult time.
Honey Monroe says
October 15, 2019 at 11:35 amMatthew 25:23 New Living Translation
“The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’
Carmela Casey says
October 16, 2019 at 9:11 pmMy condolences go out to the entire Hart family. Rev Hart will Truly be missed. Praying for peace and comfort for you all.
Deacon Emeritus, Carolyn Hayes says
October 15, 2019 at 7:39 pmMay First Lady, Mrs. Hart. all of this dear loving family and church family find additional comfort in knowing we are praying much for you all. We will always cherish the loving kindness and rich fellowship shared with your pastor and church down through the years. You could see “Jesus Joy” in his smile that lit up .the the church the community and the world.
THE MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH FAMILY
The Rev. Dr. Carl Sherrill,Pastor
The Rev. Dr. Charles Hart, Pastor Emeritus
Carolyn Williams says
October 15, 2019 at 9:00 pmMy heartfelt sorrow and concern are with Mrs. Hart and family. Rev. Thomas Hart will be truly miss. A friend to all and his unselfish service cannot be explained. Rev. Hart, rest in peace. We love you.
Steven Parker says
October 16, 2019 at 8:57 amMay the Lord comfort the Hart Family through these trying times. Rev. Dr. Thomas James Hart will truly be missed. I personally remember him when he was the pastor at FPUHC. The Hart family was close to Mother Hattie Jones family and visited her home frequently for nice Sunday dinners.
BERKLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY says
October 16, 2019 at 5:29 pmCondolence from the Berkley Historical Society, Norfolk, VA.
Rev. Hart was a GREAT SUPPORTER of the Society and the Berkley Community. St. Mark UCC is well-known as one of the “Community Churches” as their doors have been opened to many community projects and events. There is a VOID in Berkley! We will surely miss his great service, great smile and his great words! From the Berkley Historical Society….Anne Boone
Frecia R Scott says
October 16, 2019 at 7:08 pmMy heart is heavy. I have no words. All I know is that my pastor will be greatly missed. To the family, you know that I love you. May God comfort, give you strength and surround you with lots of love.
Darlene Golden says
October 17, 2019 at 10:50 amMay God bless and keep you all Rev Heart has touch my family in so many ways my mother loved her pastor my mom Mary Harrell will welcome him in and other of his members He changed so many lives we will see him again stay strong
Walker and Hassie Hughes says
October 17, 2019 at 1:24 pmDear family of Rev. Thomas James Hart, may the Lord comfort and keep you, may the light of His love shine upon you at such a time as this.
Roxanne M. Potts says
October 17, 2019 at 4:22 pmTo the Hart Family,
I loved visiting St. Mark each time upon entering the temple Rev. Hart would greet me and ask where have I been? I would reply I am a visitor I have a church home and his reply would be now you have (2) church homes. Even though I am not a member of St. Mark he always treated me as one of his own. Rev. Hart you smile, BIG WORDS and jubilant spirit will be deeply missed as I continue to visit St. Mark there will always be a VOID that no one can replace in your pulpit. Thank you for your loving spirit on this side. Rest until we meet again.
JAMES BRADLEY says
October 17, 2019 at 9:57 pmKeeping You Close in Caring Thoughts and Prayers: Though your heart must hold deep sadness at the loss of the one you loved, may it also hold the blessings of the life you shared and the love that will always be a part of you.
THE “BRADLEY FAMILY”
Deacon Keith says
October 20, 2019 at 3:43 pmRev Hart, Leader’s Lead, we thank you for your steadfast Leadership,
Keith, and the Hicks family wishing joy in the morning for your wife and family!
Hicks family extended
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