Jeannette Jean Hardy

Jean (Hilliard) Hardy known to all as “MaJean” was born on the 4th of July 1931 in San Angelo, Texas, the second of seven children to Louie and Reynelda (Bass) Hilliard. The family moved to Salinas, California in 1937 as a part of the Dust Bowl migration. Many relatives and friends came during these hard times to find work. Jean was 8 years old and worked along with the family in the carrot fields. Later, the family purchased 40 acres on Shasta Ave in Kerman. Jean worked in the fields with her dad and sisters while attending Kerman High School. It was there at the age of 16 that LeRoy spotted her while irrigating. Six months later in June 1948 they would marry.

In 1949 Jean and Leroy would purchase the 80 acres of land on Lassen Ave. and build their home there. Where they would raise their family and remodel several times. They were true partners in farming and worked side by side. They had their own hay hauling trucking business and cotton-picking contracting business in the early years. They were a team; LeRoy would drive the equipment and Jean would pull cotton trailers to the Kerman Co-op Cotton Gin. The men were impressed at how Jean could maneuver two sets of trailers on to weigh scale. Working long hours together the farm grew and grew. They grew Alfalfa, Beans and Thompson Raisins. Jean and LeRoy were quite proud of signing one of the first contracts with Gallo Winery. Eventually growing mostly Wine Grapes and Almonds on their large farm.

Jean was an active member of the community. In 2022 she was honored to be the Kerman Harvest Festival Grand Marshall. In 2003 she was named the “Outstanding Community Member of the Year”. She was a former sewing and cooking 4-H leader, President of the Sun Empire PTA and the Whitesbridge Ladies Golf Club. She planned a “Pickaree” for the Kerman Future Farmers of America where local farmers brought their cotton pickers in and picked the cotton that was donated. She continued to be an active supporter over the years. She sponsored the “Larry Hardy Memorial Scholarship” and “LeRoy Hardy Memorial Scholarship”. Jean bowled in numerous leagues at Reno’s Bowling Alley. LeRoy and Jean were active members of the Kerman Travel Club.

MaJean was admired for her generosity and was well known for her love of Christmas. Every year she hosted a large party and would gather and purchase all the toys for the children. Santa would fly in on a helicopter to distribute them. Many people would drive to her home to see the many decorations and lights on display.

Jean was predeceased by her husband LeRoy and son Larry. Survived by sisters Helen Malone, Darlene Demeter, brother Paul Hilliard. Daughter, Beverly Allen (John) and daughter, Patricia Abercrombie (Matt), 5 grandchildren John A. Allen, Julianne Albertson, Stacy Huggins, Patrick Abercrombie and Bradley Abercrombie, 16 great grandchildren, and 2 great great-grandchildren.

To see her life video please click the following link. https://youtu.be/oM77ydAB39U

In Lieu of flowers, Jeans favorite charities were the Kerman VFW Post 8470, PO Box 355, Kerman, CA 93332 and SMILE Train @ smiletrain.org/donatenow.

A visitation for Jeannette will be held Monday, August 5, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720.

Graveside Services will be held Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at 9:00 AM at Fresno Memorial Gardens, 175 S Cornelia Ave, Fresno, CA 93706.