Elizabeth (Bettie) Agatha Hart

After persevering through years of health issues, Elizabeth (Bettie) Agatha McKnight Hart, 88 of Abilene, received her heavenly reward, on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 while surrounded by her family, at her home, as was her wish. A time of visitation is scheduled for Friday February 26, 2016 from 1pm-2:30pm at Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut St with a private family entombment to follow.

Bettie was born on October 13, 1927 in Fort Worth, Texas to James and Martha McKnight. Bettie grew up in Fort Worth and graduated from Polytechnic High School in 1945. She then attended and graduated from Arkansas State Teachers College in 1950 with a degree in Physical Education. A year later, she received her Master's Degree from Baylor University. It was in Waco that she met the man she would marry, Dwain Hart, and on May 28, 1954, they became husband and wife. Bettie accepted a position teaching Physical Education at Abilene Christian College in 1955 which opened the door for Dwain’s 56 years of service at the university. In 1958, Bettie resigned her position when she and Dwain started their family. Bettie returned to teaching in 1976 as a Physical Education teacher at Abilene Christian High School, and then moved over to Abilene Christian Elementary School in 1981 to be the school secretary until her retirement in 1999. Along the way, Bettie rescued and cared for many animals, was active in church activities at Hillcrest Church of Christ and volunteered with Christian Homes and Christian Service Center.

Bettie was preceded in death by her parents, James Houston McKnight, Sr. and Martha Lucille Loach McKnight, her husband of 58 years Dwain Hart and her brother, James Houston McKnight, Jr. and his wife Helen. Surviving Bettie are her 3 children; Kem Hatch and husband Ray of Frisco and their children Ryan, Stephanie, and Jason, Kent Hart and wife Jan of Tyler and their children Kason, Korey, Keaton and Kolby and Kerri Hart of Abilene.

In lieu of flowers, Bettie asked that memorial contributions be made in her name to Rescue the Animals, 4620 N. 1st St, Abilene, Texas 79603 (www.rescuetheanimals.org) or to the Taylor-Jones Humane Society, 2301 N. 3rd, Abilene, Texas 79603 (www.taylorjoneshumane.com/donate). The family wishes to express its sincere appreciation to Hope, Polly, Barbara, Svjetlana and Salome as well as the entire staffs of Kinder Hearts Hospice and Home Instead Senior Care.

Proverbs 17:32 “A cheerful heart is good medicine”

Condolences can be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.