Melissa Ann Hart

Mrs. Ann Hanks Hart, 76, of Monroe, passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2024, in Las Vegas, NV surrounded by her loving family.

Ann was born on July 13, 1947, in Monroe, LA, to Alvin Devoe (A.D.) Hanks and Marion Brame Hanks. She married her “high school sweetheart and love of her life” Dean “Deanny” Hart after meeting him at 16 years old while he worked at Parish Texaco station on the corner of 18th St. and Louisville Ave in Monroe. Even at an early age, Ann admired Deanny’s work ethic and the way he always took care of his mother and grandmother, and she knew she would be taken care of in that same way. 

Dean and Ann agreed upon marrying, that Ann would work for at least 2 years. She worked at South Central Bell beginning in 1968, for exactly 2 years. On the morning of that 2-year anniversary, Dean asked Ann if she was going to work that day and she quickly informed him that it had been two years, as they had agreed. (She fulfilled her part of that deal!) That began the rest of her career with Dean Hart, Inc., where she held many titles day to day from appliance store to real estate. Her most important title was the one that she held at home with her family, being the wonderful, loving wife, and mother that she was. 

Ann had many loves, first was her family and friends, as well as her community. Ann’s top priority was her faith and that is what carried her through all the hard times she ever faced. She shared her faith with all who would listen. She always had a great love and passion for children and any charities or organizations that benefit children. She was actively involved with Monroe Junior League, Monroe Garden Club, Masur Museum, Travel club, Book club, Kiroli Park children's playground, and served as President of the Stoneridge Condominiums in Hot Springs for many years. She was a member of the Lotus Club as well as Bayou Desiard Country Club. She very much appreciated and loved the staff of both clubs and enjoyed being a member there for so long. She was also a long-standing member of First United Methodist Church.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, A.D. and Marion Hanks; her loving husband Dean L. Hart, Sr.; baby Hart; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Bunny Wallace and J.C. III, “Dinky” Liner; brother-in-law, , Johnny Leonard; and father and mother-in-law, John and Lois Hart, Lyle Centola, and Leah Liner.

Ann is survived by her two sons, Dean L. Hart, Jr. and Cory Hanks Hart; her and Dean, Sr’s precious and beloved dog, Kassie Hart; granddaughters, Lily Arianna Hart, Caroline Kay Hart, and Laura Melissa Centola; great granddaughter, Catherine Baray; additional family members, Courtney Smith, Chase Hart, and Nick Buttita; niece and nephews, Laura Liner Centola, Lyle, J. C. Liner, IV., and Jeffrey Hanks Liner; great nephews, J. C. Liner, V. and L. Jordan Centola; and great great nephews, Jackson Bolton and J. C. Liner, VI.

Pallbearers will be William Hallack, Dr. Ronnie Woods, Billy Golson, Rayman Winn, Harry Wyatt, and Bob Stratton. Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry “Jeep” Sanders, W.B. “Bill” Nelson, Jr., Raymond Stewart, and Charles E. and Francis Brown. 

Memorials may be to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the First Methodist Church West Monroe for the Dean Hart Fund for the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home, 1411 Glenwood Drive, WM, LA, 71291.

Visitation will be held February 2, 2024, at 10:30AM Friday at Mulhearn Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel located at 623 Hwy 80 East, Monroe, LA, 71203, with services immediately following. Following the service, the family will be gathering at 2534 River Landing, Monroe, LA, 71201.

Burial will be private for immediate family and close friends only under the direction of Jon Tellifero and Mulhearn Funeral Home Monroe.