Harriet Nelson

Harriet was born on January 23,1929 in Corpus Christi, Texas, the 5th generation of one of the pioneering families of Corpus Christi. She was very proud of her South Texas heritage. Her 2X great grandfather, Elias Tyre Mussett, Sr., an early pioneer of Corpus Christi served in the Texas Militia and joined General Zachary Taylor’s army in Corpus Christi in 1845. It was here that he met and became friends with Col. Henry Kinney and purchased 400 acres from him in 1848 where Rose Hill Cemetery is today.

Harriet attended Corpus Christi High School before entering the University of Texas as a Plan II student. At UT, she became a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and met the love of her life, Joe Perry Nelson. They were married on November 24, 1950. Harriet loved the University of Texas. She made many longtime friends there. An avid fan of UT football, she once broke her toe getting so excited about the UT football team scoring a touchdown.

Harriet loved to travel. Early on she was so adventurous that she would travel to faraway places by herself. Finally, her husband Joe got the travel bug. Harriet loved trivia, especially concerning Texas. She became a tour guide for Corpus Christi visitors.

Harriet was quite creative and artistic. She loved to paint, sew, design hats, and hand stitched tapestries. Her talents extended to cooking and entertaining. She hosted many events in her home from her “Birthday Girls” group to “Burger Burns” for her sons and their college friends. Her “Christmas Sing-A-Longs” were famous. Everyone wanted to be included in this annual event.

Throughout her lifetime, Harriet was very active in the Corpus Christi community. She was a member of a number of organizations including The Order of De Pineda, Las Donas de la Corte, The Junior League of Corpus Christi (President), and a longtime member of Parkway Presbyterian Church.

Harriet was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Charles Walker Skipper and Sam Lillian Rankin Skipper and her husband Joe P. Nelson. She is survived by her sons: Donald Skipper Nelson (Susan), John Richard Nelson (Mary) and Joe Michael Nelson (Sheree), her five grandchildren: Holly Wynn Nelson Boland (Matt), Bonnie Marie Nelson (Robert Grobe), Laurie Ann Nelson Lane (Daniel), Margaret Marie Nelson, Sarah Elizabeth Nelson, and one great grandchild Julia Miller Lane.

Her greatest joy was the addition of all the girls to her family. Her three daughters-in-law, her five granddaughters, and one great granddaughter affectionately called her La-La.

The family held a private graveside ceremony at Rose Hill Cemetery. Many thanks to the staff at the Mirador for their professional care.

Memorial donations can be made in Harriet Nelson’s name to: The Junior League of Corpus Christi, Parkway Presbyterian Church in Corpus, or a charity of your choice.