Effie Nell Wilder

Nell thrived on the family farm, training ponies, and becoming an excellent seamstress and cook. After graduating high school she moved to Madera in 1936. While attending beauty school in Fresno she met and married Paul Brooks on Christmas Eve 1937. In October of 1938 Paula was born. Nell later married John James Harness and their son, Jon Best Harness was born in 1943. Nell owned and operated her first beauty salon in Selma at the age of 19. Retired when she sold The Mirror Salon, Fresno at age 71. The discipline of hard work learned on the family farm stayed with her throughout life. She continued close friendships with her 'girls' from the Mirror Salon who still today remember her fondly, "Nell was a tough, loyal boss who always treated her 'girls' as family. The Mirror Salon was the best place to work in town. In the 50's and 60's she volunteered at Juvenile Hall teaching young women personal care and hygiene. She developed many lasting friendships through her 30-year membership with ABWA. Nell was a 1987 Woman of the Year nominee. Won many honors as a Toastmaster, and was a volunteer for many years at St. Agnes. Preceding her in death were her parents; all five siblings; and her son, Jon Best Harness.

Nell is survived by her daughter, Paula Brooks Alexander and her husband James "Bud" Alexander; her three granddaughters, Kathleen Mary Williams, Rebecca Harness Ezell and her husband Vance of Fresno; and Jonette Harness Adams and her husband Jeff of Bakersfield. Two great-grandsons, Justin Taylor Hale and Carson James Williams. Her much beloved niece and nephews Al, Roy, Lon, and Ann Best and their families in Lincoln Nebraska.

A Funeral Service will be held at Lisle Calaveras Chapel on Saturday, November 13, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Windham, 1100 East Spruce Avenue at 1:00 p.m. Remembrances may be made to Poverello House.

Arrangements under the direction of Lisle Funeral Home, Fresno, CA.