Neva T Osteen

Neva "Toni" Osteen 95, of Largo, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011. She was the daughter of Julia Bodden and Robert Haylock and was born in Guanaja, British Honduras. Neva immigrated to Tampa, in 1929 where her father and grandparents were already living there. Her grandparents had a small sail loft on South Franklin Street in Tampa. She became a naturalized U.S. citizen. Neva married Willard Osteen in 1937 and was married for 61 years when Willard passed away in 1998. She is survived by two children, Judy (Milton) Meinck of Fairfield, CT and Robert (Elena) O'Steen of Largo, eleven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren along with a sister, Frances Joseph of Largo, and a brother, Rev. Arthur (Martha) Haylock of Sebring, and many nieces and nephews in the Tampa Bay area. Neva and Willard owned a store known as "Osteen's" in Largo. In addition, Neva operated her own catering business "Neva's Catering" which she started in the late 1950's. Neva was a member of the First Baptist Church of Largo, Business and Professional Women's Club and a Charter Member of the Historical Society. Neva was instrumental in the creation of the Cracker Supper which is still and annual event in Largo. She enjoyed traveling where she was able to visit Europe and South America. Neva and Willard retired to their farm on Lake Avenue in Largo and spent many happy years visiting with all their friends who came to buy fresh produce. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Largo Historical Society. Friends are calling on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 from 5 pm to 8 pm with Funeral Services on Thursday at 11 am all at the Moss Feaster Funeral Home Serenity Gardens Chapel, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, (727) 562-2080. Burial will follow in Serenity Gardens Memorial Park.