Janet Nichols Moore

Janet Nichols was born on October 16, 1923, in Salmon, Idaho, to Edwina Yearian Nichols and Dewitt Lethbridge Nichols. She attended elementary school in Salmon and St. Paul’s School for Girls in Walla Walla, Washington. Her four years at St. Paul’s were extremely rich, meaningful and formative years for Janet.

Janet and her brother, Ralph Nichols, were frequent visitors on weekends and summers at the Yearian ranch in the Lemhi Valley, Idaho. Their grandfather, Thomas Yearian, was an early resident of the valley where he raised sheep and cattle. Their grandmother, Emma Yearian, a partner with Thomas in the ranching business, was celebrated as the “Sheep Queen of Idaho.”

In 1941 Janet was accepted to the School of Music at Montana State University (now the University of Montana) in Missoula. She studied with John Lester, was a member of the elect singing group The Jubileers and appeared in many concert and opera performances. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. While at the University, Janet met Jack M. Brazelton; they were married in January of 1943 shortly before Jack Brazelton was sent overseas. He was killed at Anzio Beach in February of 1944.

In 1946, Janet married Herbert Jillson, a returning war veteran and a former music school classmate. That marriage ended in divorce and in 1952, Janet married James Selway of Dillon, Montana. While living in Dillon, Janet received a Master’s Degree in Education at Western Montana College and began teaching English at Beaverhead County High School. She also continued to sing and perform in frequent concerts at Western Montana College.

In 1965 Janet moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where she taught English and humanities at Alhambra High School until her retirement. Janet loved teaching and was tireless in finding ways to help her students learn and advance.

Janet married Daniel Moore of Phoenix in 1974; the couple was together for almost thirty-seven years. They were excellent companions, devoted to one another, and also to their shared interests of arts, philosophy, spiritual exploration and service to others. They enjoyed many years of travel and study that further enriched Janet’s teaching, particularly her teaching of the humanities. Dan preceded Janet in death in 2010.

Janet was a member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Phoenix where she sang for many years in the choir and served on the Altar Guild.

Janet is survived by her sons Jack Brazelton Selway of Colorado and James Jillson Selway of Virginia; her grandsons, DeWitt Selway, Richard Selway, Lewis Selway, Daniel Selway, and John Selway; her nieces Mary Ed Berry, Dr. Rachel Nichols, Dr. Sara Nichols; her stepchildren, Daniel Moore, Maggie Callaway, and Jane Callahan-Moore.

Donations in memory of Janet may be made to Trinity Cathedral, 100 West Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85003.

A Memorial Service and celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2021 beginning at 10:00am at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral 100 W Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ. Inurnment will follow at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery 2300 W. Van Buren St. Phoenix, AZ. Arrangements under the direction of A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Mortuary. Please visit www.ALMoore-Grimshaw.com to leave memories and tributes.