Obituary: In Memory of Jeanne Frances Willett

Jeanne “Jean” Frances Willett, 80, of Haskell passed away Monday, February 24, 2025, surrounded by her family. A memorial service will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Haskell Church of Christ with Bro. Jason Isbell officiating. Condolences may be made at www.haskellfuneralhometx.com.

Jean was born March 23, 1944, in Omaha, Nebraska, the daughter of the late Albert Raymond Tess and Thelma Elizabeth Goodwin Tess. During her childhood, her family lived in Bellevue, Nebraska where Jean graduated high school from Archbishop Ryan High School in Omaha, NE. On October 3, 1964, she married Charles J. Willett in Bellevue, NE. 

After their marriage, Charles & Jean traveled with Charles’ work with Pitney Bowes, living and making friends in Omaha, NE; Lincoln, NE; Green Bay, WI; North Prairie, WI; Tabernacle, NJ; and finally in Lubbock, Texas; calling Lubbock home in 1988. Charles and Jean had two children, Scott and Chad.

For over 40 years, she devoted herself to running an in-home childcare, Ne Ne’s Child Care, providing a nurturing and loving environment for countless children. She often referred to them as “her babies,” a reflection of the deep care and affection she poured into each child’s life. Jean had a caregiver mentality throughout her life, caring for her mother, Thelma; mother-in-law, Hazel Willett; and her husband, Charles, throughout their illnesses. She also provided her nurturing quality to the numerous friends that entered her children’s lives, taking on the identity of “Mama Jean”.

Jean loved her friends deeply and looked forward to their phone calls and visits. She loved to travel to see hot air balloons and causing mischief wherever possible.

Jean’s grandchildren were the light of her life, and she looked forward to seeing them and hearing about all of their adventures. She was the proudest Grandma. 

While living in Lubbock, she also volunteered with hospice, offering respite for families and providing much-needed support during their most difficult times. Her philanthropic spirit continued as she supported many charities throughout her lifetime. 

In February 2021, Jean followed her children to Haskell and shortly entered the care of Haskell Healthcare Center where she continued to create mischief for as long as she could. The family is very thankful for the love and care the staff showed Jean during her time there, making her final years comfortable and safe. 

She was a member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Lubbock.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Charles J. Willett on September 3, 1996, and son, Scott A. Willett on August 5, 2012. 

Jean is survived by her son, Chad Willett and wife Natalie of Haskell; grandchildren, Colton Willett and Addison Willett of Haskell; great grandson, Miles Willett of Haskell; sister, Nancy Buist of Melbourne, FL and her partner, Jerry Tunheim; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of dear friends. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest a donation in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Diabetes Association.