Harriett Lee Nelson

Harriett Lee (Moore) Nelson passed from this earth in Kansas City, MO on June 16, 2024, in her home surrounded by family and friends. Harriett was born on July 26, 1941, at Bethany Hospital in Kansas City, KS (Wyandotte county) to William LaVerne “Joker” Moore and Mildred “Millie” Elizabeth (Fry) Moore. She graduated from NKC High School in 1959. She married the love of her life Melvin “Tudy” Franklin Nelson on October 13, 1961, at the Jackson County Courthouse with 12 S&H green stamps books. They have shared their lives for 63 years. She was a devoted wife and mother to her two daughters Pamela and Elizabeth Louise. Her greatest joy was her two grandchildren, Hanna and Logan Wiltfong. She loved attending and being a part of all their events. Even more joyful was the birth of her great grandson Hank and great granddaughter Wynnlee. Harriett’s Papillion fur baby Duke was a big part of her life bringing her joy.

Harriett was an adventurer. She loved camping, motorcycling, and traveling. Two of her big trips were to Hawaii and Switzerland. She had a servant’s heart, volunteering for Norclay Optimist, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and other local organizations. Harriet kept us laughing and more so, she knew the meaning of friendship. She was known for her salty language and spit fire personality. She loved the Royals and the Chiefs. Harriet had a green thumb. Her patience for plants was special and she passed that love along to her family and friends. She loved to dance, many stories regarding sock hops of the past were shared. Harriett made an impression on everyone who met her. She was known to be the neighborhood watch before there was one.

Her career spanned from being a factory worker making jumper cables at Whitaker Cable to working at Grainger. She also worked for a brief time for the NKC School District as a bus aide working with special needs students. She really enjoyed working with these children.

She is survived by her daughters Pamela (Doug) Wiltfong and Elizabeth Louise Teater; grandchildren Hanna (Noelle) Wiltfong and Logan (Madison) Wiltfong; great grandchildren Hank and Wynnlee Wiltfong; her brother Jerry (Barbara) Moore and sister Peggy Land; along with nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Joker and Millie Moore; her brother John Moore; sister Mildred “Sue” Linthicum.

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 26, 2024, at Terrace Park Funeral Home & Cemetery, 801 NW 108th St, Kansas City, MO 64155, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. With a celebration of life from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m.

The family asks in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Cleft & Craniofacial Clinic Fund, Children’s Mercy Hospital, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO 64108.