Nell Rebecca Hastey

 Nell Leeper Hastey, 94 of Ponte Vedra, FL entered into eternal life on March 3, 2024. She passed away peacefully in her home with all her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchild, along with her beloved dog, Chloe.

 Nell was born in Pontotoc, MS on September 1, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Ervin Mitchell and Lonnie McClenda Walls.  Nell grew up in Black Zion community in Pontotoc with two sisters, the late Helen High of Memphis, TN, the late Cynthia Josephine Holste of Pontotoc, MS and a special cousin/sister Ann Steele of Madison, AL.

 Nell was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Edward Hastey who passed away on September 6, 2022.  She is survived by her 5 children Lynn Leeper, Leah Duffy (Pete), Cathy Royal (Harry), Charlie Leeper (Cam), and Ann Leeper (Lisa).  Her  grandchildren, Donnie Leeper, Chad Grace, Carol Seward, Cynthia Kennison, Julie Seward, Justin Leeper, Kim Prescott, Kathleen Royal, David Netti and Matt Duffy.   She is also survived by16 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great Great Grandchild.  Also, a host of nieces and nephews.

 In the late fifties, Nell met William B. Dawson and Robert Dawson’s families and became lifelong friends.  The Dawsons owned Greenfield Plantation which is now Queen’s Harbour.   There she was able to run Greenfield Stables while raising her family.  They had rodeos, trail rides, hayrides, parties, horse shows, teaching and also promoted concerts with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet and various other bands that were starting out in the area and raised money for various local charities.  Nell raised world champions, both horses and children.

 Nell loved cooking and entertaining family and friends.  She was an amazing baker of delicious desserts, namely her famous chocolate pies.  She enjoyed all music, gardening, flowers, squirrels, birds and all animals, especially horses.  

 In the late seventies, Nell and Ed moved to Palm Valley and built their dream home, barn and little farm where she continued her great work with horses and children.  She was a second mom to many and was always there to listen and help.  She was loved by every one who met her.  Nell will be missed dearly by her family and friends.

 Visitation will be from 1-3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Quinn-Shalz Family Funeral Home in Jacksonville Beach.  A reception will follow at 318 North Roscoe Boulevard in Ponte Vedra. 

A Burial will be 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Jacksonville National Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Donnie Leeper, Chad Grace, Justin Leeper, David Netti, Hayden Grace and Kenny Roberts.

 In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Florida Sheriffs Boys Ranch of Live Oak. 

https://www.youthranches.org/give-online/