Dr. Stephen Hansard

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. Stephen J. Hansard, age 72, who departed this life on April 18, 2026. Born on May 18, 1953, in Buford, Georgia, Stephen grew up in Cumming and graduated from Forsyth County High School in 1971. He went on to pursue an impressive academic career, earning a Bachelor of Science from North Georgia College, a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the Medical College of Georgia, a Master of Health Education from the University of Georgia, and ultimately, a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from the Medical College of Georgia. Stephen also attended the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, furthering his lifelong love of scripture.

He practiced dentistry in Carrollton and LaGrange for over ten years, later serving as Dental Director at Good Samaritan Health Center of Cobb for another fifteen years. A devoted member of Roopville Road Baptist Church, Stephen was deeply committed to his faith and community.

Out of love for God and his neighbors, Stephen served in dental missions locally and internationally. He penned articles for the Times-Georgian, later publishing a book, It’s the Love, Christian.

Stephen leaves behind a loving family: his wife of fifty years, Dr. Deborah Ingram Hansard; his three children and their spouses, Stephen Coleman Ingram Hansard and his wife Christy, Stephanie Molinda Hansard and her husband Colin Vinson, and Seth Andrew Hansard and his wife Sungeun Alice Bae-Hansard; his sisters, Sarah Hansard and Kelly Symmes, and brother Vernon Hansard; and his cherished grandchildren, Isaac Hansard, Bethany Claire Hansard, Cora Hansard, Jhasedon Vinson, Jimmorion Vinson, and Benjamin Hansard. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, J.R. Hansard, and his mother, Mattie Arthurlene Martin Hansard.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Martin & Hightower Funeral Home. A second visitation will take place at Roopville Road Baptist Church on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 1:00 PM, followed by a Funeral Service at 2:00 PM, with Dr. Stephen Peeples officiating. Stephen will then be laid to rest on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 3:00 PM, at Sawnee View Memorial Gardens, 1390 Dahlonega Hwy, Cumming, Georgia 30040. William Hansard, Webb Hansard, Christopher Symmes, Donovan Boruk, Brad Hansard, and Isaac Hansard will serve as pallbearers.

Stephen will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Christ’s love shone brightly through him. His impact on those he loved and served will be felt for generations. He touched many lives with his kindness, passion for education, and commitment to health and community service. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

For those who wish to honor Dr. Hansard with flowers, the family kindly requests fresh-cut arrangements or baskets that can be shared with extended family members and later delivered to local nursing homes, spreading the same kindness he so often showed to others. In lieu of, or in addition to flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dr. Hansard’s memory to Good Samaritan Health Center of Cobb, 1605 Roberta Drive SW, Marietta, GA 30008, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, Mercy Ships, or Roopville Road Baptist Church, 835 N. Hwy 27, Roopville, GA 30170, organizations and ministries that held special meaning to his life and legacy.

Messages of condolence may be shared with the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel is honored to serve the Hansard family.