Dr. Wanda J. Nelson, 85, a long-term resident of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on Independence Day, Thursday, July 4, 2024, after a well-lived, prestigious life. Born in Kingfisher, Oklahoma, on July 5, 1938, she retired there in August 2022, to be buried next to her mother.  In addition to being a wife, mother, sister, friend, aunt, and daughter, Dr. Nelson was an award-winning cosmetologist, successful entrepreneur, innovator, and organizer of the Mammoth Trade Shows, and Woman of the Year in Kansas City during the 1970s. She achieved her career aspirations in 1996 when she became the national president of the National Beauty Culturist League, Inc.  After she retired, she became a consultant through her “Ask Dr. Nelson” website. 

Dr. Nelson was a lifetime member of Palestine Missionary Baptist Church of Jesus Christ and the matriarch of her family of origin as the last living child of her mother, Maggie E. Harvey. She gave birth to three children and was preceded in death by her spouse of 35 years, Earl Lee Nelson Sr., and her son, Stephen (Truck) Nelson.  She is survived by her daughter Kiara Marie Estill Walker, her son, Earl Lee Nelson Jr., grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many beloved friends and relatives. She will always be remembered with love and her life’s motto, “To God Be The Glory” will continue to shine as a beacon of light for us to follow.

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