Donna Jo Hart

Donna Jo Hart passed peacefully into the arms of her loving Savior on Friday, February 13, 2026. She was 86.

She was born on October 27, 1939, in Franklin, Ohio, to George and Edna (Johnson) Hawthorne. Jo spent her early years in and around the Springboro and Middletown area, where she met the love of her life, William "Bill" Hart. They were united in marriage on March 6, 1966, and shared 47 wonderful years together until his passing in 2013. Following their retirements, Jo and Bill moved to Florida, where they made their home for nearly 20 years, before Jo later returned to Ohio to be closer to her family.

Jo lived a life marked by dedication, faith, and genuine love for others. She spent many years as the trusted secretary to the president of AK Steel, a role she carried out with professionalism, loyalty, and pride. After retiring, she embraced a new chapter, becoming a licensed realtor, where her kindness and integrity served her well. A woman of deep and abiding faith, Jo faithfully attended Fairway Christian Church while living in The Villages, Florida, and later Berean Baptist Church after moving to the Mansfield area; when her health began to decline, she continued to nourish her spirit by watching services online. In her leisure time, she found joy in playing golf, billiards, and cards, and she especially loved listening to all kinds of music. Above all, Jo will be remembered for her warm heart, steadfast faith, and the many lives she touched.

She is survived by her daughter Brenda (Earick) Earhart, grandsons Benjamin (Naomi) Earhart, Clayton (Maddie) Earhart, Cody Earhart, Wyatt Earhart, and Shane (Victoria) Earhart, great-grandchildren Josie Earhart, Nevaeh Earhart, Rory Earhart, and Ridge Earhart, as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Jo is preceded in death by her parents, brother Cliff Hawthorne, sister Barb Wilson, and brother Jack Hawthorne.

Per Jo's wishes there will be no public services, instead her family will celebrate her life privately and she will be inurned with her husband at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.

Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Jo's family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence on her obituary page at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.