Memories

Nell was my great-aunt, being my grand-mother’s only sister. She did something very special for me…..only a handful of years ago. I was having a very difficult time getting pregnant, was getting older, and did not want to use any of the fertility treatments. Out of the blue, I get a phone call from Aunt Nell. It’s like she just knew that I needed to talk to a mother figure. My mother had passed, grandmother, it’s as if she just knew I needed her. I had never really talked with her before that day, She expressed to me that when you quit worrying yourself about getting pregnant, it will happen. I now have that daughter she told me I would have. She will be 6 this year. I will have the other, she told me I would have, this February. At that time she expressed to me that I should come and visit. I wish I would have made it down there. My memory of her, from when I was young, was of her and my grandmother fussing lol. They were very respectful when doing it. The next minute they were joyfully laughing over something smart one of them had said. My more recent memory of her, is of her genuine concern for others. She was kind, compassionate, and knew how to comfort those around her with words and feelings. She was a special lady, and I know that she will be greatly missed.

I wake up every morning and realize you are not here with us. The world does not seem the same even though I know you are happy with our Lord. I miss you so much.

Nell, faithful and wonderful friend,

What a source of great strength you were (and still are). Your sense of values and abiding faith in God has been so wonderful for you and your family.

Love Forever,
Caroline

*This entry was transcribed from hand written memory card.*

Mrs. Hayward is a such a blessing to me. She and I both attended West Pensacola Baptist Church in 1990’s-2001, and then we went to MGBC. We did vacation bible school together. She was a loving person. She loved to teach the kids. We will miss her dearly.

Thank you, Nell. God bless, and I love you.

*This entry was transcribed from hand written memory card.*

Nell and I worked together in children’s ministry. The kids loved her and haven’t forgotten her. Knowing her was an honor.

Wanda D.

*This entry was transcribed from hand written memory card.*

Aunt Nell was a huge part of my childhood. I spent many summers with her, and I also kept Jenny, Jeff, and Julie as kids. We will miss her much.

*This entry was transcribed from hand written memory card.*

Aunt Nell,

You were so helpful to me when I started learning about my Qualls lineage. You shared photos and memories with me.

Love Always,
Cindy Qualls Leonard

*This entry was transcribed from hand written memory card.*

Mrs. Nell (Mama)

The BEST Mother-in-law anyone could ever ask for! I have so many GREAT memories…a mother and woman that will be missed by all that knew her!

*This entry was transcribed from hand written memory card.*

Mrs. Hayward was a remarkable lady. We will ALWAYS have the BEST memories of her.

Most Sincerely,
Irina, Dunayeus, Marina, Lidia

*This entry was transcribed from hand written memory card.*

Ms. Nell was loved greatly by all those children to whom she taught the love of “Jesus.”

My daughter Roberta loved going into her Sunday School class each and every Sunday morning.

We loved her.

*This entry was transcribed from hand written memory card.*

I will never forget spending the night with Nell and going to the movies with her.

*This entry was transcribed from hand written memory card.*

Nell was always loving. She was a good cousin, and we had a lot of fun when we were young.

*This entry was transcribed from hand written memory card.*

Saying a final goodbye is difficult and bittersweet. The love she embraced us with and the memories she created with us, make the task a bit easier and something to lovingly remember.

As for my memories, I learned that spending time reading the bible, singing songs, enjoying tea and cookies-mine were Milanos or Newtons 🙂 with a dear friend is a cherished time together that I will not soon forget. I also learned that someone can love Donny more than Danielle (didn’t know that was possible) cause that was “HER DONNY”.

My favorite quote from her was to tell me that “Donny and Danielle will be successful in their marriage because they are marrying their best friend.” I asked her how did she know and she said “because I married mine, Don Hayward.”

Love to all of the family. Thank you for sharing her with me. My life has been truly enriched. The following quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson says more about Mrs. Hayward than I can, She truly enjoyed life.

“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

I am so grateful for every memory I had with Ms. Nell, and there are oh so many. She was someone who was just delightful to be around. I’ll try to post memories as I remember them.

One of my favorites memories involves my little brother Chesley, and he will have to tell it….

I’ll never forget going to Disney World with Donny and his parents. Amidst the magic, sparkle, and princess pink which consumes Disney, Ms. Nell shows up wearing her new souvenir hat from the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. It said “bad to the bone” and had a skull and crossbones. Yep, as girly as she was, she WAS “bad to the bone” in the best way possible ; ). Donny and I laughed with her for a solid five minutes about her hat choice.

Nell was a dear friend and helped me out when I was in the Navy,and we remained friends for years. I can remember babysitting Jenny and making cookies which she loved when she came home from work. Still can’t believe that she wore size 4 shoes!! I will always have a warm place in my heart for her. God blessed you with a long beautiful life, now you are in His hands. Love Carol Dempsey

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Brother Warren

It is with a heavy heart we have to say goodbye for now. There are so many things I remember and cherish about our lives together. I use to love when we were going back to school shopping and would make a day out of it with lunch and fun. You always made sure we would have a girls day out when we needed it.
You never complained when I borrowed your clothes or makeup. I can remeber the first record player you bought me for Christmas with my first rock and roll albums. It is amazing everyone in the house did not lose their hearing. So many wonderful memories!!!