Maudie Hart

ANNA, Ill. -- Mrs. Maudie Lou Hart, 86, of Anna passed away at 3:43 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, in Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, Illinois.

Heaven gained another precious soul as her family said "a hard goodbye ... the heart's tribute to the privilege of Love." -- Beth Moore

She was born Oct. 8, 1930, in Miller City, Illinois, the daughter of Claude E. and Grace (Eidson) Clinton. She married James Eugene "Gene" Hart on Jan. 2, 1955.

Maudie is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Gene Hart of Anna; daughter, Sandra (Glen) Gibbons of Marion, Illinois; son, Brent (Deena) Hart of Tamms, Illinois; son-in-law, Tim Hendershott of Cape Girardeau; granddaughters, Stephanie (Dan) Little, Alexis Gibbons (Micah Sardell) and Ella Grace Hart; grandsons, Clinton (Casey Lorenz) Hendershott and Kirk (Trisha) Hendershott; great-grandchildren, Haydan and Haylee Little, Caedan Hendershott, Konner and Kellan Hendershott; a sister, Doris (Bert) Robinson of DeLand, Florida; brother-in-law, John Du Rall of St. Louis; other relatives; and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; infant twin sons, Wendell Dean and Randell Gene Hart; daughter, Debra Lynn Hendershott; and two sisters, Claudine Du Rall and Vernamae Greenley.

Maudie served alongside her beloved husband, Gene, at Unity Baptist Church in Unity, Illinois; Mill Creek Baptist Church in Mill Creek, Illinois; Rock Branch Baptist Church in Union, Mississippi; Immanuel Baptist Church in Cobden, Illinois; First Baptist Church in Tamms; New Hope Baptist Church in Buncombe, Illinois; and Lockard Chapel Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Illinois.

Her love of music was displayed in church choirs, directing music, playing the piano and the organ or leading vacation Bible school music. She taught young children in Sunday school and filled in where needed as she served her Lord.

Her love for the Lord was never missed, but shone brightly in her servant life.

She loved and cared for her children and grandchildren in her home, nurturing, teaching invaluable lessons and cooking zillions of meals. She made many quilts, cared for other children and taught piano lessons as well.

She had a way of hospitality for family and friends and even passersby needing good food for a hungry tummy and kind, loving words for a hungry soul. Love and family were the heart of her service.

Her smile and love will be missed greatly.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Funeral service for Maudie Lou Hart will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna. Interment will be in Green Lawn Cemetery in Villa Ridge, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are preferred to Carmi Baptist Children's Home or Lockard Chapel Baptist Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To leave online condolences for the family, visit rendlemanhilemanfh.com.