Nelva Jean Hyatt, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished member of the Encounter Church community, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026, in Port Arthur, Texas. Born on January 21, 1943, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Jean lived a life distinguished by her unwavering devotion to family, faith, and community.
Jean dedicated 23 years of faithful service as a custodian at Hillcrest Elementary, where her kindness and gentle spirit left an indelible mark upon all who encountered her. Throughout her life, she was known for her thoughtful and caring nature, always extending warmth to others and never meeting a stranger. Family and friends affectionately described her as the closest thing to an angel on Earth—a testament to her pure heart and compassionate soul.
A woman deeply rooted in faith, Jean was a steadfast member of Encounter Church, where she delighted in praise and worship and was recognized as a prayer warrior. Her giving nature knew no bounds; she found great joy in nurturing her family and loved spending time surrounded by the simple pleasures of life, whether tending to her cherished flowers or feeding the birds and cats that brought her comfort. Jean was an avid fan of the Rangers, taking every opportunity presented to cheer them on.
Jean's greatest pride lay in her family. She was the loving wife of 65 years to Charles Hubert Hyatt, a bond marked by enduring love and support. Together, they raised three daughters: Becky Hyatt Vizena and her husband, Arnold, Kathy Hyatt Seiver and her husband, Mark, and Dana Hyatt Palermo and her husband, Johnny. Her heart swelled with love for her grandchildren Benjamin Joseph Vizena and his wife, Anna, Bethany Jean Vizena Molina and her husband, Max, Brandon Charles Vizena, Nicholas John Palermo, and Nathan Edward Palermo. She was an amazing grandmother who adored her grandchildren dearly.
Her life was also shaped by the memory of those who preceded her: her mother, Zelda Lea Watley Perkins; her father, Hassel Perkins, Sr.; and her brother, Hassel Perkins Jr., whose legacies she carried forward with reverence.
Visitation will be held on June 5, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home,1605 Avenue H, Nederland, Texas 77627. This will be followed by the funeral service from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the same location. The final tribute will take place at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, 618 Block Street, Port Neches, Texas 77651, with a graveside service beginning at 12:15 p.m.
Nelva Jean Hyatt’s legacy is one of enduring love, pure-hearted generosity, and a spirit that lifted all those around her. She remains forever in the hearts of those privileged to know her, a shining example of grace, kindness, and unwavering devotion.
