Hazel "Gene" Jourdan Mathis Spear

Hazel Gene Jourdan Mathis Spear peacefully passed away on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Hammond, Louisiana, at the age of 98. She was born on Tuesday, August 10, 1926, in Prentiss, Mississippi to the late John W. and Jeanettie Dobbs Jourdan. She was a resident of Hammond, Louisiana.

Throughout her life, Gene wore many hats, working various jobs with grace and determination. Gene was a devoted homemaker and a master gardener with a magical touch, she could plant a simple stick in the ground and somehow make it bloom. Full of spirit and sass, Gene had a flair for life; she never missed a day of doing her hair and makeup and adored her blingy jewelry.

Her faith was unwavering, and her love for the Lord guided her throughout her life. Gene was a proud and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, whose warmth touched generations. She was deeply loved by all who knew her, and while she will be profoundly missed, her family celebrates the long, beautiful life she lived and the joy she brought to all who knew her.

Gene is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Strickland; son, Mark Mathis (Jeannie); daughter, Stephanie Whall; stepson, Robert Spear (Lana); grandchildren, Eric Strickland (Holly), Melissa Strickland Menard, Judy Strickland, Bradley Barbay, Stephen Mathis (Heather), Trey Mathis, Joshua Mathis (Tracey), Carrie Hollon (Joel), Nathan Mathis (Jessica), Joseph Whall, Andrew Whall (Erin), Matthew Whall (Kailyn); Dale Spear (Jenifer), Brian Spear (Sandy), Matthew Spear (Anna), Tara Fernandez (Justin), Rick Himel (DeeDee), Karen Maoui (Wahab), Kathy Warnken (Mark); as well as 49 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, John H. Mathis, Sr.; second husband, Lewis T. Spear, Sr.; son and daughter-in-law, John Mathis, Jr. and Margie Mathis; son-in-law, William Strickland; grandson, Jeremy Strickland; stepson, Lewis Spear. Jr.; grandson, Lewis Spear, III; stepdaughter, Nan Himel; as well as two sisters and five brothers.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home and Crematory of Hammond and Ponchatoula.