Katherine Nesbit

Katherine Regina Nesbit, known as “Kathy”, of Fort Myers Beach, Florida passed away Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at the age of 82. Katherine was born on March 18, 1936 in Nashville, Tennessee to Emiel and Anna Young. She is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Nesbit Joreski and her husband, Keith Joreski; her son, Jeffrey Nesbit and his wife, Carmen Nesbit; her five grandchildren, Justin Nesbit, Kyle Nesbit, Tanner Nesbit, Joel Joreski and Kristen Joreski; her brother, Robert Young; and her former husband, Jon Nesbit. Kathy was grateful she had been blessed with a wonderful family and tried to live every day to be someone they could be proud of. It’s safe to say that they were her greatest joy. Her focus was always God, family and business. She was a faithful member of the McGregor Baptist Church in Fort Myers. Kathy will be remembered fondly not only by her family, friends and neighbors, but by thousands of travelers to our island who she had greeted as friends for nearly 45 years.

Kathy also leaves behind many friends, neighbors and business associates who adored her and remember how, as a true, well-brought-up southern belle, she would never leave the house without makeup or the appropriate outfit. She was always so beautifully turned out that many islanders dubbed her the “Mayor of Fort Myers Beach” long before Fort Myers Beach became a town because she always looked the part. She got a big kick out of that.

Kathy owned and ran a successful real estate/vacation rental business, Nesbit Real Estate, Inc. and Kathy Nesbit Vacations, Inc. on Fort Myers Beach for over 42 years. She was President of the Board of Realtors for Fort Myers Beach twice and District Vice President for the Florida Association of Realtors in 1989. She was also Realtor of the Year several times. Her love of Fort Myers Beach made her a life-long advocate for the island. She was the first female member of the Beach Kiwanis Club and was the President of the Beach Voters Association for four years.

Known for personally welcoming vacationers, Kathy extended her gracious welcome to newlyweds, then their children, then their grandchildren, until her name became entwined with generations of happy memories of family Beach vacations.

A gathering to pay your respects will be held Friday, August 31, 2018, between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm at Hodges Funeral Home, 12777 State Road 82, Fort Myers, Florida 33913. The funeral will be held Saturday, September 1, 2018 at 11:00 am at McGregor Baptist Church, 3750 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 34966. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to McGregor Baptist Church.