Irene Ruth Hart

Irene Ruth (Havens) Hart, 77, of Woodstock, GA formerly of Hannibal, MO passed away Thursday, January 28th, 2016, at North Fulton Regional Hospital in Roswell, GA. An initial visitation will be held in Hannibal, MO from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2016 immediately followed by funeral services officiated by Bro. Justin Mosher. Both events will be hosted by Smith Funeral Home & Chapel located at 2619 St. Mary's Avenue, Hannibal, MO. A second visitation will be held in Rolla, MO from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016, at Macedonia Baptist Church in Rolla, MO to be ensued with final services officiated by younger brother and Havens family patriarch, Phillip George Havens. Burial of Mrs. Hart will follow in the Macedonia Cemetery which is located adjacent to the church. This cemetery is the final resting place of many other Havens family members. Irene was born December 5, 1938, in Rolla, MO the daughter of Ira Ralph and Emily Fae (Brewster) Havens. Surviving Irene is her husband Donald Royce Hart. The two were married at the Macedonia Baptist Church on May 29th, 1957. Other survivors include one daughter, Barbara Lynn Shearholdt of Kansas City, MO, one son, Kevin Donald Hart (Tammie) of Woodstock GA, three grandchildren, Alexander "Alex" Quincy Hart, Cassandra "Cassie" Kiana Shearholdt, Logan Chandler Hart, one brother, Phillip George Havens (Connie) of Rolla, MO, four sisters, Wilma Jane Light, Nadine Blanche Lortz, both of Rolla, MO, Winifred June Hitt (Richard) of Covington, LA, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Hart was preceded in death by three brothers, William Paul Havens, Ray Havens and Roy Havens, as well as two sisters, Emily Marie Smith and Della Christine Black. Irene graduated from Rolla High School as part of the proud class of 1956. Shortly after moving to Hannibal, MO in 1958, she and Don became active members of Fifth Street Baptist Church. During their decades with this family of believers, she served on numerous church committees and for a period of years as part of their administrative staff. As the children advanced in their education, Irene joined the educational team of the Hannibal Area Vocational Technical School (HAVTS) as the Secretary to the Director. She retired from this position in the mid 1990's after impacting thousands of local lives at which time she moved with her husband to Woodstock, GA where they became active in First Baptist Church of Woodstock and continued to make lasting relationships until her passing. Irene enjoyed spending time with her family, friends while continuing to help prepare the next generation with her work at HAVTS. Of special delight was her personal time with her grandchildren. Other interests included activities associated with the local PTA, numerous sports (basketball, softball and volleyball) and creating lasting friendships through her compassion and love of life and others. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Fifth Street Baptist Church of Hannibal, MO or Macedonia Cemetery of Rolla, MO through Smith Funeral Home & Chapel in memorial of Irene Hart.