Nancy Jean Hart

Nancy Jean Hart (née Loker) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, at the age of 76. 

Born in Baton Rouge, Nancy was a woman of deep Christian faith whose life was devoted to helping others. In June 1968, while both were attending LSU, she met the love of her life, Jack Hart. Their connection was immediate and enduring. They married on January 16, 1971, and shared a devoted partnership that spanned more than five decades.

Nancy earned her PhD in Social Work from LSU. She maintained a private practice in social work for nearly two decades and served as an adjunct professor in the Graduate School of Social Work at LSU, where she inspired and mentored countless students. Her professional life was a natural extension of her strong Christian faith—she lived to serve, uplift, and bring hope to individuals and families.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Jack W. Hart of Baton Rouge; her daughter, Lauren Hart Runnels of Sarasota, Florida; her son, Brian W. Hart of Garland, Texas; her granddaughters, Ellie Cate Runnels and Emma Lauren Hart; and her sister, Martha Jane Douciere.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Maurice J. Loker and Pauline Covington, and her daughter, Jennifer Lynn Hart.

A memorial service celebrating Nancy’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Church of the Highlands in Baton Rouge.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, or online at samaritanspurse.org.

Private cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to Church Funeral Services & Crematory, Baton Rouge.