Mother Nelle Mae Harris

Mother Nellie Mae Harris was born June 10th 1942, in Dyersburg Tennessee, to Roman and Lillie Mae Holder. From this union she had four siblings, with her being the youngest. She was proceeded in death by her sister Mattie Ruth Robinson; and, brothers James Louis Holder and Hugh Holder. She is survived by her sister Margie Follins, of Dyersburg. Friends and family loving referred to her as either Mary, Aunt Suge, Mama, Grandma, or Mimma.

Mother Harris graduated from Bruce High School, in Dyersburg. Later Mother Harris moved to Milwaukee Wisconsin and later to Kansas City Missouri, where she trained to be a Certified Nursing Aide. Mother Harris and her late husband, David Adkins, planted the roots of their family in Kansas City; where she began her career in OB/GYN Nursing at Saint Luke’s hospital. She later moved to Prime Health (Humana), working in the Pediatric department for more than 30 years, caring for thousands of Kansas City area Moms and children.

A lifelong child of God, she was one of the founding members of Greater St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church (MBC); where she served as a member of the choir, the Greeting Committee, the Mission Ministry, and finally as a Church Mother. With a servant’s heart, she opened her home to family and friends in need. Always ready with a kind word and a hug, Mother Harris was a blessing to all who knew her.

Mother Harris was blessed with four children, Jacqueline Burns (Joseph),  Cassandra Reed, Emmanuel Holder (Stephanie), and Susan Thompson, all of whom reside in Kansas City.

She was united in matrimony to David Adkins, who preceded her in death. Later in life, she married Deacon Richard Harris. They were high school sweethearts that rekindled their relationship and were married for 15 years before his passing in December of 2022. Mother and Deacon Harris were devoted and loved members of Greater Saint Matthews MBC, under Pastor Nathan Buie, Sr. 

Mother Harris transitioned to Glory on Saturday, February 11, 2023, and so shall she forever be with the Lord!

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday February 18, 2023

Visitation will be held from 12 P.M. - 1 P.M.

Services will be held at 1 P.M. at Greater St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church

2835 Indiana Ave Kansas City, Mo 64128