Doris Lee Nelson

Doris Lee Nelson, 92, of Smithville, Missouri passed away peacefully on October 13, 2023 from acute heart disease at North Kansas City Hospital - Hospice House. 

Doris was born on March 3, 1931 in St. Louis, Missouri to Jess and Anna Turnbough. Her family moved to the Kansas City area where she graduated from East High School in 1948. It was at East High that she met the love of her life and husband of 64 years, James "Jim" Nelson. They were married on Oct 31, 1952 and from this marriage were blessed with three children. Doris took great pride in being a homemaker and caring for her family. She was a strong and supportive leader, who cherished her time spent attending the many activities of her children and grandchildren. As her family's #1 cheerleader, she could often be heard from the stands "encouraging" them, especially if there was a problem of any kind. She has left her loved ones with many wonderful memories of gatherings at her beautiful home in Kansas City North and in later years, her Smithville residence. Always a competitive but gracious opponent, Doris was a terrific ping pong player in her younger years and a tough poker player in her older years. She was also known for spending her spare time pushing the slot machine button a time or two and working out at the Smithville Fitness Center - even into her 80's, but her happy place was in her garden enjoying nature, tendering to her flowers, and making sure the grass was meticulously mowed. She passed down many valuable life lessons, to her family, including her infamous snickerdoodle recipe. 

Doris is preceded in death by her parents and husband, James Nelson. She'll be loved, respected, and greatly missed by her children, Debbie Nelson, Brenda Strodtman, and David (Wendy) Nelson; grandchildren, Amber, Brian (Nikki), Brett (Liz), Jack (Hannah), and Luke; 10 great grandchildren; and many extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Terrace Park Funeral Home & Cemetery on Tuesday, October 17, with visitation beginning at 1pm, funeral service at 2pm, and burial following.