Nell Livingston Blay

It was with great sadness that I heard of Nell`s passing from her brother Bill in March of this year (2007).  I did realise that she had not been in the best of health of late, but I was very shocked to hear of her death.

I had known Nell since the early 2000s through our mutual interest in interest in the Livingston family, Rev. John Livingston in particular.  We communicated regularly by e-mail and sometimes by phone.

On hearing of a planned trip I intended to make to the States in 2002, she immediately jumped in with the suggestion and, daresay, an invitation to call in at her home in New Orleans to stay with her.  I was travelling with a lady friend to Memphis and thought it would indeed be nice to take her up on this gracious invitation.

We travelled by Greyhound coach from Memphis to Jackson in Mississippi where we were met by Nell and her friend Siss.  From here we were driven by Siss to her home before going on to New Orleans.

Whilst residing here for one week, we had the pleasure of being introduced to her mother,

sister, Sue, her brother John, son Charles and grandaughter Molly.  Such a lovely family.

As well as the usual tourist attractions of this historic and beautiful city, we were treated to a drive out to a Casino where we had lunch and an opportunity of testing our luck in a small measure at the tables and machines.  Such was the hospitality of this family, they even presented us with some tokens to partake in this.  I think John had a hand in it.

A baseball game, shopping and other attractions were also included in the programme of events they had planned for our stay.  Needless to say, we took advantage of Nell`s swimming pool.

On the day of our departure I expressed a hope and wish that she could in turn take up an invitation to come to Scotland as our guest.  Alas this never materialised.  Over the intervening years we did keep in contact at intervals.

I will always remember her with sweet affection.  God bless you Nell.