This obituary was originally published on Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home.
When the sun rose over the North Carolina Sandhills on the morning of June 11, 1935, Frances Melree Hubbard began an epic journey that would last just over nine decades.
A fifth generation native of Cumberland County, NC, Melree was born to Mr. and Mrs. Lonnie David and Alice Jordan Hubbard. She was their 7th child, the only one born in a hospital (Highsmith Rainey) and the only one born without a doctor present. Her early years were spent in the Fayetteville area, where the family was based due to her father’s job with the highway department.
Melree excelled academically, first at Sunnyside Elementary School, then at Stedman High School, where she graduated as Salutatorian in 1953. She then continued to excell at Pembroke State University.
She was musically gifted, both vocally and as a pianist. Her first public singing experience was at a Sunnyside School PTA meeting, as a first grader. She humorously remembered music and drama teachers painting her face for her to sing “Old Man River” and “Mighty Lak’ a Rose” in school musicals. Throughout her youth, she sang at church and in numerous weddings.
Before finishing high school, Melree met and married a handsome aspiring preacher and businessman, Kenneth Tart, in 1952. Together they attended Holmes Bible College (Greenville, South Carolina) and prepared for a life dedicated to the Lord’s work. Their combined ministry took them to several locales in eastern North Carolina – Elizabethtown, Stedman and Whiteville, however their hearts were always focused on world missions.
Her business and administrative acumen served her well in multiple roles. While still in high school, she did bookkeeping for PWC. When she was just 18, she was the personal secretary for the man who was second in command at a large textile plant with over 2400 employees.
She oversaw the business details of every church Mr. Tart pastored. During the years she attended Baywood Church (formerly Person Street Pentecostal Holiness Church) she said she “held every position except Pastor and Organist.” As the Tart Insurance and Real Estate business grew, her business administration duties expanded. She even served as a volunteer member of the Cumberland County Board of Adjustments for 8 years.
Kenneth and Melree had four children. One of the most difficult trials of Melree’s life was the loss of their firstborn, Alice, who died at age 19 of a brain tumor.
Melree lived a full and enjoyable life, centered around fellowship with life-long friends, time spent with family (8 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren), church life, office work, community activities, eating out at favorite restaurants and watching city government and all sports on TV.
The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at Baywood Pentecostal Holiness Church. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., followed by the burial in Lafayette Memorial Park.
She is preceded in death by her daughter, Alice Melree Tart (1976), and her husband of 59 years, Kenneth Houston Tart (2012).
She is survived by: Her children, Rebekah Wiens (Ed) of Fayetteville, NC; Kenneth “Tex” Tart of Fayetteville, NC; Mary Walker (Mike) of North Myrtle Beach, SC;
Grandchildren and great grandchildren – Tyler Ward (Sarah – Blake, Nora, Dallie); Travis Ward (Christen – Harrison, Liam, Henry); Jordan Ward (Sarah – Hazel, Nellie, Eli); Kaitlin Ward (Adam – Kaity-Owen, Fletcher); Mary Alice Whitaker; Anna Tart; Emily Gehres (Chad – Luke / due soon); Keenan Tart (Will);
Many nieces, nephews, extended family members and a multitude of friends and acquaintances.
Funeral arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, N.C. 28301
Online condolences may be made at http://www.jerniganwarren.com