NEVA CLEMENT
1880-1979
EARLY RESIDENTS DIVISION 2024
Neva Clement was the mother of Joseph V. Clement. She was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1880, moving to Los Angeles with her parents in 1884. Her father bought the weekly publication "Southwest Builder & Contractor" in 1897. The printing establishment was next to that of the Los Angeles Times which was dynamited during labor strife in 1910, and "Southwest Builder & Contractor" was also extensively damaged.
After graduating from high school, Neva married Edward James Clement (born in 1873, died in 1935). To quote Theodosia Clement, "In 1931 she purchased barren Vista property, planted avocados and built a home. Her love of plants and flowers led to her yard becoming one of the show places in Vista." Through an abundant crop of passion fruit in 1934, a small business was started and was a family project for several years. The juice and jelly were featured items in Hamilton's of San Diego, the May Company, and many gourmet food sections in Beverly Hills and Hollywood; Neva's daughter-in-law, Theodosia Clement was the saleslady. In 1936 the Passion Fruit Booth at the Del Mar Fair was awarded first prize.
Neva was for years a member of the Vista Garden Club and a Life Member of the Woman's Club of Vista. Though her home was in Vista she spent much time with her parents in Los Angeles and remained a member of the board of directors of" Southwest Builder & Contractor". She traveled extensively. One of the "fun" clubs to which she belonged was the "Nellies", composed of long-time Vista widows. They met weekly for dining and cards. These women, whose names should be recorded, were, in addition to Neva Clement, Moey Quigg, Mary Day, Mrs. Charles Kingsley, "Pink,” Irma Young, Thelma Nietfeld, Theresa Smith, and Genevieve McLean. Neva Lillian Clement died in 1979, mourned by her many friends.