Clarence Wesley Hart

Brother Clarence W. Hart, beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend slipped away peacefully in his sleep at his home surrounded by family on Saturday June 13, 2026. Praise and Worship music filled the room as his family said their final goodbyes. He fought the good fight and completed his earthly assignment. 

Born Clarence Wesley Hart on November 30, 1943 at his home on Cedar Street in Duquesne, Pennsylvania to English and Rosebud Hart. He was the youngest of 5 siblings who all preceded him in death. 

He became a member of Payne Chapel AME Church in Duquesne, PA in the late 1950’s where he assisted with and prepared bulletins for Sunday morning service. Brother Hart enjoyed participating in the Gringo Race Club. In October of 1962 Brother Hart joined the United States Army where he served as a rifle sharpshooter. He served in Vietnam with the Big Red One Battalion in 1966. In 1965 he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal along with a Vietnam Service Medal. After working at various steel mills, Brother Hart began work as a quality control inspector performing electrical work at the Westinghouse Bettis Atomic Power plant. His power plant experience would later be his reason for relocating to Benton Harbor, MI. 

Brother Clarence Hart became a member of New Bethel Baptist Church on March 20, 2005 under the leadership of Pastor Milton P. McAfee. Brother Hart met the spiritual characteristics of an usher. He took his assignment with humility, vigilance, and profound stewardship. His role in the military prepared him for his role as president of the usher board for 19 years until his health failed, in his honor he was named President Emeritus and will always be membered for service and dedication!  He ran a strict, tight, no-tolerance program. He was a dedicated usher who was always dressed and ready to serve. He stood steadfast and at attention at ALL times. 

Brother Hart worked as a Quality Assurance auditor for Cook Nuclear Plant in Bridgeman, MI, where he later retired. Clarence wed his beloved wife Jackie Hart in 2005. They shared over 20 years of marital bliss. He was a model husband serving God being the head of his home. He drove Jackie around to everything, cooked delicious meals, and oversaw any construction activities he could not perform himself. Clarence loved God and read his Bible every day. He attended service in-person faithfully until his health failed. Brother Hart enjoyed fishing, watching sports especially the Pittsburgh Steelers, serving as President of the Usher board, and spending time with his family. He was a jack of all trades, his family and friends would view him as the man who could do it all. 

Clarence is survived by his wife Jackie Hart, three daughters: Rayleen Hart-Wilson (Watervliet, MI), Michelle Hart (Indianapolis, IN), Denise Gwynn (William Earl), Charlotte, North Carolina), and one step-son Scott Coburn (Benton Harbor, MI);  Six grandchildren: Cortney Hart, Toney Hart-Wilson Jr, Monique Gwynn, Isaiah Gwynn, Kayla McAfee and Rayona Hart-Wilson. Four great-grandchildren: Kyndall Milton, Rayne Gwynn, Alianna Hart-Wilson and Zahvie Gwynn; nephew: Brian Miles, Niece: Linda Gray; Two brothers-in-law, Rev. Donald McAfee and Rev. Steve McAfee;  five sisters-in-law:  Alzenia Crumble, Jannie Kiser, Vera Holmes, and Marie Oberholtzer; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces and nephews, family and friends. 

Brother Hart was preceded in death by his parents English and Rosebud Hart. In-laws: Pastor M.P. and Lady Pearl McAfee. His siblings: Jean Walling, Lawrence Hart, Constance Hart, Arvella Solomon. In-laws: Lenon “Buck” and Gwyndoly McAfee, Doris and Kelvin Cornelius and Paul “Skip” Oberholtzer. 

Brother Hart's strength, kindness, faithfulness to God and unwavering love for his family will be remembered always. 

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