Nellie DeSue Santos, known to almost everyone who knew her as Nell, passed away April 29, 2014. Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 10am at Palm Coast United Methodist Church, 5200 Belle Terre Pkwy, Palm Coast, 32137 with Sorority Memorial Service beginning at 9am.

Nell was the youngest of three daughters born to the late Willie and Bessie DeSue on September 27, 1940, in Starke, Florida.

Nell grew up in Jacksonville, FL and attended schools in the Duval County system. She went to Long Branch Elementary School and Matthew W. Gilbert Jr., Senior High School. There she participated as a member of the chorus, was a majorette with the marching band, was the national president of New Homemakers of America, and was editor-in-chief of the high school yearbook staff. She graduated as Salutatorian in 1958. After high school, Nell attended Florida A & M University at Tallahassee, FL and completed her Bachelor's Degree, with honors, at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Later she received her Master's Degree from Northern Illinois University in Educational Administration.

In her young adult years, Nell was a civil rights activist working with the Congress on Racial Equality (C.O.R.E.), and the NAACP. She participated in demonstrations, and interracial home chats, and in 1965 filed a lawsuit against a real estate company and the City of Akron, Ohio for discrimination against African-Americans in housing. The lawsuit was an NAACP test case that was argued in the city and state courts of Ohio before ending with a victory in the United States Supreme Court in 1969. Nell also was a regular panelist for the Panel of American Women, an organization devoted to promoting understanding among persons of different races and religions. She later participated in voter registration drives and worked as an election judge in DuPage County.

Nell was a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. During her tenure of more than 35 years, she served in many leadership capacities including president of Lambda Alpha Omega Chapter, located in the western suburbs of Chicago. She was affiliated with Delta Chi Omega Chapter in Palm Coast.

For almost 30 years, Nell taught at Lowell School in Wheaton, Illinois, and retired in the year 2000. After that, she did volunteer work at the Lowell School Library, and the Wheaton History Center. For several years, she volunteered as a math tutor for children in Aurora, and participated with food bank distributions to the needy. Always active, physically and mentally, she began taking piano lessons at the age of 68 and continued them for many years. She walked on a regular basis with her friends, did aerobic dancing, Tai Chi and participated in pilates.

Nell attended DuPage AME Church in Lisle, Illinois. She was a member of the Missionary Society, and served as an officer for several years. In 2007, Nell received the honor of "Torchlighter" in recognition for 25 years of volunteer community service. She was also a member of the Intercessory Prayer Ministry and the Hospitality Ministry.

Nell was married to the late Dr. Theodore L. Hunter of Jacksonville, FL. From their union two daughters were born: Sheilah LaKay Stripling of Charlotte, NC and Karen Lynnell Hunter who resides in Woodridge, IL.
Nell is survived by her two daughters; two grandsons: Theodore and Lorenzo Stripling; one sister, Eleanor Tribune, one uncle Rev. Thomas B. DeSure, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Nell served as a Communion Assistant at Palm Coast United Methodist Church. "To be absent from the body is to the present with the Lord." 2Corinthians 5:8.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in Nell's name to Family Promise through Palm Coast United Methodist Church. Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Palm Coast. Share condolences with the family through this online guestbook.