Neva J. Vest

Born May 9th, 1953, in Kansas City, Missouri, daughter of Bernard H Wendt and Kordula M Wendt (nee Krause), she graduated from Oak Park High School, class of ’71. She attended St. John’s Lutheran College at Winfield, Kansas and later transferred to Jacksonville Junior College, Jacksonville, Florida where she graduated with an associate degree.

She was musically inclined playing an accordion, and the piano.

She met the love of her Life, Kenneth E. Vest, a military veteran, while attending college. They were married January 11th, 1975, at King of Kings Lutheran Church, Kansas City, Missouri, and enjoyed a happy relationship of 34 years.

Neva held various jobs and positions throughout her lifeline. From a fast food employee to administrative assistant, her organizational skills and joyful attitude were appreciated at the various jobs she held.

Neva and her husband felt drawn to serve as foster parents. They shared their love with 70 children who had been abandoned, abused, and/or had serious medical conditions, from new-born children to 3 years old over a 15-year period.

She volunteered with several Lutheran churches and organizations with her sewing skills, assisting food and clothing distribution to those in need, and providing supporting care to distressed individuals. She supported Grace Lutheran School by serving as the official timer and scorekeeper at many volleyball and basketball games. As skill she had never done before, in games she had never played.

In her last 7 years, Neva devoted herself to the Good Samaritan Ministry Thrift Store and Food Bank, located at 8023 W. Beaver Street in Jacksonville. Her loving personality and sense of humor endeared her to many of their visitors

Neva had several hobbies, including sewing, crocheting, cooking and baking, along with canning a variety of foods. She loved animals from childhood, especially horses and other pets. She wound up rescuing several horses over time and adopted a miniature horse called “Squirt”. At one time she took in two “retired” greyhounds, and more recently, a faithful dog “Duke”.

She had a strong Christian Faith being baptized, confirmed and married in the Lutheran Church. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church & School in Jacksonville, Florida.

Neva is survived by her two older brothers, Michael (Bettye) in Durham, NC and Curtis (Elenita) in Kansas City, Missouri, and a younger sister, Kathy (John) Cunningham, in Kansas City, Mo., and a multitude of cousins, nieces and nephews, and her brother-in-law, Reggie Vest. She is preceded in death by her parents and beloved husband, Ken.

The family wishes to thank the many friends, neighbors, and family members who came to her aid with their caring support, especially Reggie for his countless acts of kindness.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Good Samaritan Ministry,8023 W Beaver Street, Jacksonville, Fla. 32220.

A visitation for Neva will be held Friday, February 21, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Grace Lutheran Church, 12200 McCormick Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225. A funeral service will occur Friday, February 21, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 12200 McCormick Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225. A committal service will occur Friday, February 21, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205.