Hart Atowoh Nakwaasah

Hart Atowoh Nakwaasah was born at home in his village of Koro Koro Tai, Rivers State Nigeria on September 29, 1959. One of his fondest childhood memories was accompanying his father by riding on the handlebars of their shared bicycle as they conducted local business in their village and beyond. He graduated from Ascension High School in 1977. After securing admission to an American university, he bravely left his homeland, immigrating to the United States to attend the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. There, he met his wife, Maribeth Nakwaasah. They left Wisconsin together in 1984 and moved to Dallas, towing a small U-haul carrying all their worldly possessions. In April of 1985, the two married. In May of 1987, Hart proudly completed a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Bishop College, now known as Paul Quinn College.

Hart and Maribeth loved and nurtured five sons - Wesley (Ashley), Maxx (Carrington), Grant (Lexi), Benjamin, and Nicholas. At the tender age of 3, each son was introduced to the game of soccer by their dad, who spent years volunteer coaching them as well as many other children in both the Richardson and Garland Soccer Associations. He always told them, “You don’t stop until you score!” His unwavering commitment to their physical development served them well, as each son attended college on an athletic scholarship. They are now all college graduates who have honored him with their achievements. 

Hart most recently was employed at Enterprise / National Leasing, where he served for the past 15 years. He forged deep and lasting friendships with his co-workers, often advocating for positive change on their behalf.

Hart loved following politics on CNN and MSNBC and inviting family and friends over to the house to eat and/or swim together. He would grill for everyone and listen to his favorite artists - Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, and Prince! He was at his happiest when surrounded by friends and especially his 5 beautiful grandchildren - Shiloh Nakwaasah, Lukah Nakwaasah, Levi Nakwaasah, Wesley Nakwaasah, Jr., and Layah Nakwaasah, all of whom are under the age of 5. He was known to them as “Chief,” a high honor in Nigerian culture. He was athletically gifted and impressed us all by performing standing backflips as recently as last summer. He made us smile every day, and we will carry his joyful spirit with us forever.

Hart was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Nakwaasah, "Nda"; his father, Hart Nakwaasah “Akaba”; his parents-in-law, Sally Mergen and Thomas Buntrock; his cherished younger brother, Npiene Nakwaasah; and his beloved sister, Comfort Nkoue.

Surviving family members in Nigeria include Otua (Gloria) Nakwaasah; brother-in-law, Sunday Nkoue; sister-in-law, Rose Nakwaasah; and nieces and nephews - Charles Nkoue, Joy “Sister” Akuru, Godwin “Goddy” Nkoue, Pamela Bestman, Nubari Ntorue, Dum-ekpigi Nkoue, Jane Nkoue, Hope “Lesco" Nkoue, Barine Nakwaasah, Doole Nakwaasah, Lenu Nakwaasah, Suanu Nakwaasah, Ledum Nakwaasah, Sira Nakwaasah, Dornu Nakwaasah, Elena Nakwaasah, and Tuanu Nakwaasah.

Hart’s legacy lives on with his founding of HODA (Heritage of Ogoni Development Association), his non-profit where he served as Executive Director, making great strides in providing opportunity to Nigerian children by offering them scholarships as well as improving the infrastructure of their school buildings, in part with the help of generous American donations. Tireless in doing so, he wanted nothing more than to set children up to succeed in the way he had. This past May, he took his family to Nigeria where they saw, firsthand, the impact of his efforts. 

Hart passed away on November 9, 2024, but his legacy will live through all those he touched in profound ways.

All are welcome to join us via live stream at 10:00 AM on SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2025,

as we celebrate the life of our beloved Hart. Click the link below:

Celebration of Life for Hart Atowoh Nakwaasah

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Heritage of Ogoni Development Association by clicking the link below:

The Heritage of Ogoni Development Association