The Kelly Plantation Memorial Trees

Mary F. Smiley Nevius was born in Columbus, Ohio on 24 May 1932. She left quite a legacy of 7 children, 13 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and 4 great, great grandchildren and we know there's more to come!   She may be a bit upset that I didn't include the spouses in the count because they were her kids too!  Mom never knew a stranger or a stray. Many times over the years I remember her reaching out to someone in need when she and my dad were struggling to take care of their own.  She taught us kindness, determination, and perseverance.  Mom told you the truth when you needed to hear it, even if you didn't like it.  Surprisingly, that was actually one of her endearing qualities to her grandchildren and they sought her guidance often.  Mom lived, worked, raised her children and rescued boxers in Columbus until October 2020, at which time she chose to move to Kelly Plantation to live with me and my husband, Jim.  She decided she could no longer live alone.  She absolutely loved it here!  Anyone who has ever had to displace a parent knows how signifcant that was for us. Without fail, every time we entered or exited Kelly Plantation she would say, "This is such a beautiful neighborhood!"   Jim and I still repeat it now and again and chuckle.  We find ourselves saying it more often now as we pass "her" tree. 💜  Mom was in great health given her age, but she passed away suddenly and unenxpectedly in January 2022.  Even in her final hours she was showing that kindness that she taught us, thanking doctors, nurses, and hospital staff for taking such good care of her.  Mary Nevius was many things to many people in her lifetime.  She was more than my mother, she was my mentor and my best friend and I miss her dearly every day.  We know, without a doubt, that she loves the tree we planted in her memory which also added to the community landscape; after all, "this IS such a beautiful neighborhood!"

-Susan Myers