BAY MINETTE, Ala. — Davida Hastie was fidgeting on the back row of the Baldwin County Commission chambers in August 2003 where she had been invited to receive an award marking her retirement as chairperson of the Baldwin County Historic Development Commission.

Commissioner Frank Burt, who met her at a drug store soda fountain in the 1940s, remembers her reluctance when she was called to the podium.

“I knew her most of my life and I knew she didn’t want her name in front of anything,” Burt said Monday. “I don’t think she ever knew how much she inspired and motivated people. I have found people like that get more accomplished than so-called leaders.

“She made leaders. She inspired me. She worked quietly and without end to make the world a better place.”

Hastie, 84, of Stockton died March 14 and left a legacy as an enthusiastic and knowledgeable ambassador who shared her knowledge of history with county residents and visitors from around the world.

For decades, Hastie has been involved or spearheaded numerous projects to preserve and identify historic areas of the county.

She was a founding member of the historic commission. Other projects included an historic survey denoting historical landmarks throughout the county, the design of a historic marker, historic map and establishment of four historic preservation districts in the county.

She was involved in the formation of the Malbis Foundation, the designation of the Grand Hotel site in Point Clear as an historical landmark, designation of the Bottle Creek Mound as an historic landmark and placement on the National Register of Historic Places.

She assisted in placing historic markers on numerous churches and other buildings and providing ground for the creation of a Baldwin County Museum and long-range preservation plan.

She was involved in community activities in Stockton and served as a poll inspector.

“Davida will be missed by all area residents,” Stockton resident Jerry Sherrell said. “We considered her to be our local historian and we always went to her when we wanted authentic information about local history.

“She contributed many historical photos to Mr. Leslie Smith's book, "Gone to the Swamp", a book about early North Baldwin County settlers.

“She came by the Blood Pressure Clinic at the Stockton Town Hall every Wednesday to say "Hello" and talk about local news. I know she will be missed by a lot of people.”

Jo Ann Flirt, director of Historic Blakeley State Park, said she often utilized Hastie’s encyclopedic knowledge of history.

“Davida Hastie was an extraordinary person to anyone interested in history,” Flirt said. “Her death, even at her age, was a shock, especially to me, having had a wonderful visit with her only a few days ago as she set out on still another project.”

Hastie and her husband, John Melvin Hastie, owned and managed Live Oak Landing on the Tensaw River for 32 years. She was the first woman elected elder at the Stockton Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by her son, John Melvin Hastie Jr., daughter Lynn Hastie Bozone, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A private service has been scheduled for family members and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Baldwin County Bicentennial Park. Donations should be mailed to

Baldwin County Archives and History, attention Bicentennial Park, 312 Courthouse Square, Suite 26, Bay Minette, AL 36507. For information, call (251) 580-1897.