At 3:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, Nancy Clower Self woke upat the feet of Jesus after a valiant yearlong fight with ovariancancer. She was 71.

She was born and reared in the Hillsboro community in Scott County,the youngest child of Louise Lloyd Clower and John Sim Clower. Sheattended school in Forest and graduated high school at age 16. Shewas a graduate of Mississippi College and enjoyed a successful30-year career as an educator. She taught elementary school in NewOrleans, La., while her husband attended seminary, but the majorityof her teaching years were spent in the state of Mississippi publicschool system. Over the years, she taught youngsters all the wayfrom Biloxi to Batesville and cities in between. She was apassionate teacher, who loved her students and fellow teachers.Many were blessed to have called “Miss Self” their teacher.

In addition to teaching, she and her husband, Robert, workedalongside each other for over 45 years in the ministry of theGospel of Jesus Christ. She tirelessly supported her husband as hepastored churches throughout Mississippi. She was an exemplarypastor’s wife and helpmate.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Edna LouiseClower; and a brother, John Lloyd Clower.

She is survived by the love of her life, Dr. Robert “Bro. Bob” E.Self; her children, Angie Self Russell and husband, Van, RobertTodd Self and wife, Donna, and Jon Mark Self and wife, Heather; her13 grandchildren; a great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.She was especially blessed these last years to have had a specialfriend and caretaker, Terry Hollingsworth.

She counted the many friends and members of Friendship BaptistChurch in Grenada to have also been her “family.”

Visitation is Thursday, Dec. 11 from 5 until 8 p.m. The funeralFriday, Dec. 12, at 1 p.m. Both will be at Friendship BaptistChurch in Grenada. Interment at Bethel Methodist Church Cemetery inEnid.

Memorials may be made to Friendship Baptist Church building fund orOxford Recovery Ministry to provide the “Life Recovery Bible” toaddicts and alcoholics. Either memorial may be sent to FriendshipBaptist Church, 475 Pea Ridge Road, Grenada, MS, 38901, anddesignated as such.