Obituary for Dr. Virginia Hart

June 11, 2024

Dr. Virginia Hart died on June 1, 2024, in Mars Hill, NC at the age of 101.

Coach Hart was born on May 16, 1923, in Charleston, SC to Mr. & Mrs. Thomas J. Hart. She spent her first 18 years in Vance, SC and was the last survivor of eight children and had 18 nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Mars Hill College in 1943 with a Literary Degree, Virginia Hart went to Winthrop College, where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education in 1945. In 1952, she obtained her Master of Arts in Physical Education from George Peabody College and in 1976, she earned her Doctor of Education in Physical Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Asheville.

Twenty days after graduation from Winthrop College, Coach Hart began teaching at Mars Hill College. For the next 41 years, she continued as a faculty member with several roles including coach for men & women’s tennis, women’s basketball, and volleyball; director of May Day programs; Chambers Gymnasium planning committee; chair of Faculty Development committee; and sponsor of majorettes & cheerleaders. Coach Hart founded the women’s varsity athletic program. She was presented with the first Excellence in Teaching Award in 1970. Also, she was named to the Mars Hill College Athletic Hall of Fame in October 1987 and was a charter member. She was awarded the Golden Circle Award in 2003. Coach Hart was Mars Hill College’s Alumnus of the Year in 2006. The Hart Tennis Center is named for Dr. Virginia Hart. In 1999, she returned to an active role at Mars Hill College, as a food service provider. Known as “Miss Virginia,” she and her omelets were favorites of students. She loved fishing, animals, yard work, gardening, and birds. In 2018, Coach Hart received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Roy Cooper. In 2023, the Winthrop University Alumni Association honored Dr. Hart with the Mary Mildred Sullivan Award, which is the highest honor that can be bestowed on an alumna.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 14th (1:00 pm) at Broyhill Chapel (on the campus of Mars Hill University – 265 Cascade St, Mars Hill, NC 28754) with a reception to follow in Redway Dining Room located in Pittman Dining Hall. The memorial service will be live streamed through Mars Hill University for those who are unable to attend. Her ashes will be placed in the Memorial Garden at Mars Hill University. The Presider over the service is Rev. Eddie Morgan, former Minister of First Baptist Church of Asheville.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Virginia Hart Tennis Scholarship, Hart/Melvin Archives Fellowship, or Joe Ellen Ammons Field House at Mars Hill University, Office of Advancement, P. O. Box 336, Mars Hill, NC 28754.