Wilmot Imogene “Jean or Nana” Green was 93 years young when she graduated to her heavenly home on November 9, 2021 in Helena, Montana surrounded by family.
Jean was born to William Harlan Harvey and Edith Virginia Carper on March 22, 1928 in Princeton, West Virginia. She had an older brother, Billy, and a younger sister, Shirley. Jean attended a one room school house in Oney Gap until 9th grade. She graduated from Princeton High School. After graduation, Jean worked at the Maiden Form factory. She always told people she was a model for Maiden Form, but what she really did was piece work in the assembly line. Mom was also a cashier at the Five and Dime in Princeton. Mom loved working at the Five and Dime; she used to talk about when she had to start collecting sales tax from customers. The price of the item would go into the cash register and the tax would have to be put into a jar on the counter.
Jean lived in the country on a farm. The neighbor (Howard Green) had a son (Earnie) who had just returned from fighting in WWII. Howard thought mom would be perfect for Earnie, so he introduced them. Their first date was rabbit hunting. In those days, girls had to have a chaperone, so her brother Billy and his girlfriend went with them as chaperones. Needless to say, they did not get any rabbits that day.
On April 16, 1946, Jean married Earnest Cecil (Earnie) Green in her parent’s home in Princeton, WVA. She was 18 years old. They served angel food cake and Pepsi. Earnie was a coal miner in Welch, WVA so they moved to Welch and lived in his parent’s home. Jean became pregnant shortly after getting married and Earnest was born; two years later, Sanford “Sandy”, and five years later, Lois. Jean’s mother and step-father were living in Helena, Montana. Jean and family came to visit Montana as Earnie was an avid hunter and fisherman. When Jean and Earnie returned to Welch, they sold everything and packed up the car (along with mom’s sewing machine) and moved to Helena. Jean was a stay-at-home mom to her three children and then Sue and Dan were born. When Dan started first grade, Jean went to work for the Department of Public Instruction as the manager of the mailroom. She retired in 1981.
Jean loved God with her whole heart, mind, and soul. She was the longest attendee of Helena First. Jean volunteered for several positions including many years as a Sunday School teacher, coordinating the funeral meals, and being on the Men’s Luncheon serving team. She attended Ladies Bible Study group until her health did not allow her to. She was a part of many small groups. She touched many lives and shared her faith openly and was a precious friend to so many.
Love and laughter rang freely for all who met Jean. Her home was always filled with people whom she graciously showed God’s love. The neighborhood kids all found a place to hang out. She would set an extra plate at the table, and we would ask her, who’s coming for dinner, and she would say “Wait and see.” Sure enough, someone would show up for dinner. Mom was always the first to help when help was needed. Mom loved to camp, go for rides in the mountains, sew, and cook. In later years, she made baby blankets and quillows for anyone who might need one.
Jean is preceded in death by her husband, Earnie; parents, Harlan and Edith Harvey; her brother, William (Billy) Harlan Harvey; step-dad/mother John Mack and Pearl Osborne; step-sisters/brothers Dave (Dell) Osborne, Faye McPherson, Joyce (Junior)Dobbins, Ruth (Ralph) Rowlan, and Maxine (Gene) Olsen; step-brother Junior Osborne.
She is survived by her children: Earnie (Janell) Green, Sandy (Deb) Green, Lois (Bob Wicks) Monk, Sue (Dennis) Wheeler, and Dan (Danita) Green; grandchildren: Ernie (Kerrie) Green, Christy Green, Jason (Jamie) Green, Jena (Luis) Gonzalez, Joel Green, Jole (Jason) Wilson, Juli (Dan) Beck, Paul Wheeler, and Jese (JP) Monk; great-grandchildren Wyatt Green, Cody Green, Jaida Green, Jenna Green, Tessa Wilson, Bridger Wilson, Harvey Beck, Earnie Beck, Ricker Siske, Layla Consbruck, Aislynne Gonzalez, and Beckett Gonzalez; her sister Shirley (David) Ellis; step-brothers/sisters John Osborne, Elmer Osborne, Frank (Rose) Osborne, Tom (Gwynette) Osborne, Margaret Smith, Arnold McPherson; and, numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Helena First.
The celebration of her life will be held Saturday, November 20th at 11 o’clock at Helena First – 2210 Dodge Avenue – Helena.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday November 20, 2021
First Assembly of God Church
2210 Dodge Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Saturday November 20, 2021
Gymnasium First Assembly of God Church
2210 Dodge Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Deb Green says
Oh Nana – almost 48 years of having you as the most precious “mother-in-love” – from the first day that you met this Minnesota girl, you loved me as a daughter. No one can ever fill the huge hole that is left with you gone. We had so many special family times together and that was your greatest love. I knew that I could call you at anytime, during the happy times and the hard times. You were such a spiritual mentor to me and example of how a Christian wife and mom should love their husband and children. Your last words to me were “you are not my daughter-in-law – you are my daughter” and that will always be a special gift I will hold in my heart. Until we meet again – all my love!
Relinda Justice Lindgren says
Such sweet memories of this dear lady. But my favorite has to be the day she led me to Christ in Sunday School in the basement of Helena First Assembly when I was 6 years old. I am rejoicing for her today as I picture her reunited with Earnie and marveling at the presence of Christ.
Della Dobbins says
Aunt Jean was a wonderful woman. She will be missed by many.
Love Della Dobbins
Dennis Osborne says
Jean was a great aunt. She was loved by many. I will miss her.
Melkdy says
Aunt Gean, one of the most remarkable women I’ve ever been blessed to have known. Love You. Prayers and Love to the Family. God Bless and love you.
Melody Ellis
Vicki Roehl says
Jean, you were one of the greatest influences of a christian woman I have ever had. You were always ready with a hug and a big smile any time I saw you. I will miss you, but rejoice with you in the reunion you are having now! Love and prayers to the family.
Dennis & Vicki Roehl
Diana Tavary says
I will miss my jaunts (slower) around the neighborhood with her. No one could hack more, than Jean and I discussing the woes of this world and how we would fix it, if we could.
I will miss her.
Theresa and Fred says
While we only have known Jean for a few months it was apparent how much of a generous soul she was. We moved in next door to her last winter and shortly after she brought over some homemade zucchini bread. What an old fashioned gesture! That was the start of a too short friendship. It is easy to love someone like that. We are sorry that she has passed.
Sioux Roth says
Jean was delightful! What a treasure she was, to work with at OPI. Bless her heart! Peace and grace be with you.
Rachel m Brown says
dear, paul and family
Sorry for your lost, hang in their buddy.
Paula Chapman says
Condolences to the family of Jean. She was such a light to those around her and full of love. I loved her sense of humor. She will missed by so many!