Nellie 'Jean' Izzard

A celebration of life for Nellie "Jean" Izzard will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at 11:00 AM at the Family Life Church with Pastor Martin Crump officiating. Nellie Jean Izzard joined God in Heaven and all who have gone before her on the morning of December 24, 2015, after a very short stay at the Close to Home Hospice House. Known as "Jean", she was born on November 12, 1930 to Edward Dwight and Nellie Pearle Clements Hackett in Gillette, Wyoming. She was raised on the family homestead south of Gillette and attended the Terrill Rural School. When it was time to go to school, which was 1 miles from their home, her brother Bill would head to the barn to saddle their horse, but Jean preferred to walk fast arriving, before him. In winter months, sometimes their father would hook up the team to the wagon filled with hay to keep them warm and take them to school. They held spelling contests at school and Jean would always win the spell down. During her 8th grade year, her teacher was let go and her mother, Pearle, being certified to teach, taught her daughter's class for the remainder of the school year. While growing up, they would attend many dances at the G Bar M Hall with neighbors from all over Campbell County. Every Sunday, whether it was summer or winter, they would gather together at their home, or at the homes of nearby relatives Clyde, Neal or Otis Clements. Uncle Neal was so fond of Jean and would spend time spoiling her. Her childhood friends, Jeannette, Lyla, Beatrice and Mary Morgan lived nearby and their families spent fun times together. She would attend high school at Campbell County High School graduating with the Class of 1949. She met Clark Dewey Izzard in 1948 and they were married in Hardin, Montana on April 5, 1949. Clark's sister, Delores, was there to witness their marriage. Over the next two years they would be joined by the births of two sons, Edward Clark and Dewey Dwight. In the earlier years of their marriage, she would join Clark as a hunting guide for small game in Campbell County in the fall each year. They loved the out of doors and would enjoy many years of camping, fishing and hunting trips with family and friends. Life long hunting friends from as far away as Kansas, Oregon and Hawaii would be developed. Just last week, a dear hunting friend, Al Loo (age 96) of Honolulu, HI, would call to visit with her. In 1958, they moved to Cedarville, MI where Clark had grown up residing there until returning to Gillette in 1963. Over the next several years she would be employed at Lipman's Clothing Store and the City of Gillette. While living back in Gillette, Jean continued her faithful mission praising God as a member of the First Baptist Church. Over the next decade Jean sang in the church choir and her beautiful voice could be heard at many funerals and celebrations. Her steadfast faith in Jesus Christ sustained her throughout her life. How many times we would hear her sing accompanied by Sue Todd or Louise Dickey on the piano. As a member of the Sweet Adelines choral group, she continued to share her beautiful voice. During 1974, she and Clark purchased the Townhouse Motel in Worland, until they moved to Shell, WY building a beautiful home on Shell Creek. They joined the Amway family of direct selling associates during this period and traveled to Florida and Georgia for conventions. While living in the basin area, she would continue her spiritual journey attending church. She was a life long member of Eastern Star and both she and Clark enjoyed the friendships they made in Gillette and Greybull. They were Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron of the Eastern Star Chapter #31 in Greybull..In the 1980's, they would move to Buffalo, then to Gillette where she was employed first at the Senior Center then at the Gillette Public Library, until her retirement in 2013. Due to her declining health in April 2013, she moved into the Pioneer Manor and resided there until her death. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend to all who knew her. If you wanted her support and love, you could always count on Jean. Her home was always open to anyone she knew and if you were lucky enough to enjoy a meal, it was some of the finest cooking anywhere. Surviving her are sons, Edward Clark (Karen) Izzard of Sheridan, WY & Nashville, TN; their children Nicholas (Laurie) Izzard of Gillette; Erik Izzard of Billings, MT; Zachary (Charissa) Izzard of Nashville, TN; Dewey (Kathy) Izzard of Gillette; their son Joshua (Brittany) Izzard of Chicago, IL; step-grandson, Joel West of Cheyenne, WY; great grandchildren Melisande Izzard of Perm, Russia and Bryton Izzard of Nashville, TN. She is also survived by her brothers William (Billee) Hackett of Recluse; Floyd (Paulette) Hackett of Gillette; sister-in-law Yvonne (Bill) McDonald of Cedarville, MI and brothers-in-law Glen (Eileen) Izzard of Folson, CA; and Howard Craft of Gillette; numerous extended family members and many friends.She was predeceased by husband, Clark and her parents. A memorial has been established in Jean's name to benefit the Family Life Church. Memorials and Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Walker Funeral Home 410 medical Arts Court Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent via the web at www.walkerfuneralgillette.com Funeral Home:Walker Funeral Home410 Medical Arts CourtGillette, WYUS 82716