Harriet Nevill was born in Silsbee Texas, on September 22, 1933, to Moody and Opal Battle. Born on the brink of autumn, she was accompanied into the world by her twin brother, Harold. She died, with her daughter at her side, on October 29, in Lake Jackson, Texas, where she lived for over 50 years.

Harriet grew up in Silsbee with siblings Harold, Shirley, and Bobby, graduating from Silsbee High School. After graduation, she attended Sam Houston State University, pursuing a degree in elementary education. It was there that she met Nolan Nevill, who was completing his physics degree, and love bloomed. Nolan and Harriet married in 1953 and the first of their children, Paula, was born the following year. That same year, Nolan accepted a job with Schlumberger Oil, and with six-week-old Paula packed in the back seat, the family moved to Riverton, Wyoming. Paula was soon joined by brothers Michael and Mark and the family settled in Cody. Wyoming was far from home in every way - physically, culturally, and then there was the weather! Nolan often said ''Wyoming is great! If summer comes on a weekend, you can go fishing.'' It was a challenging adjustment, but Harriet and Nolan built a home for their family and made lifelong friends. They moved briefly to Havre, Montana, where Harriet completed her degree, and in 1971, weary of those deep winters and long drives back to Texas to see family, Harriet, Nolan, and the kids moved back home, settling in Lake Jackson. Once settled, Harriet began teaching 2nd grade at Ogg Elementary, moving a few years later to Elisabet Ney. She retired after 28 years of teaching 2nd grade. Harriet loved teaching and was always thrilled when one of her 2nd graders, now grown, would call out to her when they saw her around town.

Harriet was lively, friendly, and cultivated deep friendships. She loved to dance, share a meal, and travel. Family and friendship were her anchors and she cherished time spent with both. Her beloved Nolan died unexpectedly in 1996 and, even though her heart was broken and she was alone for the first time in her life, she kept working, guiding her students with the basics that would carry them forward as they grew. When she retired in 2002, she embraced it, traveling to distant, and often exotic, places. She flourished on extended trips - usually with a core group of girlfriends - through Europe, China, Kenya, the Amazon basin, Panama Canal, Canada, Mexico, and Antarctica, visiting every continent except Australia, Harriet had a knack for making friends - and keeping them - maintaining and enjoying many friendships across the long decades of her life. In 2008, she reconnected with an acquaintance from Silsbee, Foots Wallace, and together they enjoyed traveling, socializing, spending time with family, watching sports, and relishing each other's company. When Foots died in August, she found herself alone again, but navigated the following weeks with courage and, mostly, grace.

Harriet will be remembered by those who knew her for her ready laugh, her sense of adventure, and her devotion to family and friends. She was predeceased by both her parents, her husband Nolan, her brother Harold, and sister Shirley. And by Foots, loving companion of her later years. She is survived by her children and their families - Paula and Rodney Wilder of Dickinson, TX, and their children Elizabeth, Blake, and Reid; Michael Nevill and Julie Naslund of Bend, OR, and their children Miles and Isabel; Mark Nevill and Kay Stephens, of Normangee, TX; and by her great grandchildren, Reid, Max, Coral, and Nora. She also leaves behind many cherished friends and neighbors. A special note of gratitude to Terri, who cared for her when she needed it most, who honored her, and saw to her every need, often before she knew she needed it.

Remembrances may be made Chapelwood Methodist Church, or a charity of your choice. Think of her when you dance, laugh, play a game, teach a child, cherish a friendship.