Elizabeth was born on November 13, 1923, in St. Louis Missouri to the union of William and Valleave McKinney. Both parents preceded her in death. Elizabeth was one of sixteen siblings/half siblings. Ten of her siblings preceded her in death. Elizabeth attended the St. Louis Public Schools where she graduated from Vashon High School. She loved sowing and was a seamstress by trade until the birth of her youngest child, in which she became a fulltime homemaker.

Elizabeth confessed a hope in Christ at the age of twelve at Calvary Baptist Church in St. Louis Missouri. At the time of her transition, she was a member of the Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church and had been a faithful member for over fifty-three years and a member of the choir for over forty-four years until her health didn't allow her to continue. She loved attending Sunday School and could often be found participating in devotion and leading the morning hymn. She recently attended and completed a ten-week course, "The Discipleship Journey "at Trinity Mt. Carmel Baptist Church and she loved the Word of God. Even at the age of 102 years old, she would be found every week at either Jerusalem MBC, or Trinity Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. She also loved working with the crafts during Vacation Bible School and really had a way with the youth, as she was very down to earth, approachable, non-judgmental, but firm!

Elizabeth embarked upon her third and most exciting chapter in her life when she married Wilbert Nelson, her beloved and strong-willed husband for over thirty-five years, and she enjoyed his company until his passing from this world in February of 1999. As a devoted wife, loving mother, and exemplary homemaker, she offered her children boundless emotional support, guidance, and understanding which enhanced their lives in countless ways and enabled them to become responsible citizens.

Elizabeth loved life and loved supporting her family. She wanted to be where the happenings were. Family reunions, picnics, PTA meetings, graduations, sporting events, she would even go fishing with her husband until he upset her with a smart remark one day and it was over! She loved all kinds of music and even on the morning of her transition, she got to hear Little Milton's Medley! In her younger years, Elizabeth was known for her annual Christmas breakfast, where she would prepare her famous rice dressing! She loved entertaining. I can remember as a kid watching her during the Christmas holiday going to the backyard fence and waiting for the waste collectors to pick up the trash, and she would have several shot glasses to give them all their annual Christmas shot, (you figure out, shot of what)?

On Friday, May 22, 2026, Elizabeth was called home to rest until she meets us again in our new home. She fought a good fight; she has kept the faith and has now finished the race. She leaves to cherish her memories, two daughters, Verdessa Moore, Joyce Powell, (Chicago Il), one son Wilbert G. Nelson Jr. (Vanessa); her five grandchildren, TaLene Campbell (Roedel), Tiffany Powell, LaShonda Rodgers, Curtis White and Alyssa Parish; her six great-grandchildren, Darrell Pulliam (Leah), Tearia Jackson (Walter), Jasmeen Shabaaz, Dontez Windrom, Joshua Downing and Darren Pulliam; three sisters, Arlene Johnson (St Louis Mo), Barbara Burns and Margaree Vann (Tulsa Ok); two brothers, Donnell Pitman, Sr. (Verna)(Las Vegas, NV), Carlos (Peetie) Franklin, (St. Louis, MO) and a host of several great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and several extended spiritual brothers and sisters, and a host of friends.

My Mother:I will always remember two things that Mama used to say, first, "Jesus will work it out, if you let Him" and second, "Take your time." I will forever love you.Your Oldest Daughter,Verdessa Moore

To My Grand Mother:"Sugar", you were just what it means to be, endearing, exceptional, sweet, kindhearted & a loving person. You were very pleasant to be around, you made me feel comfortable, accepted and valued in your arms. "Teenie" is what you called me. Thank you Granny "Mama" for mothering me and instilling in me wisdom and the ways of life. I won't say goodbye, I will just say, "See you in the morning" in the sweet bye & bye.Forever In My Heart,"Teenie"

To Mama:I'll always remember the days we sang in the Sanctuary Choir together and singing at church anniversaries.Your Youngest DaughterJoyce

Granny:You have been one of the brightest lights in my life. Your light will always shine in my heart. I love you always!! Thank you for being the best grandmother. You will be greatly missed.Your Granddaughter & Great GrandsonTiffany & Tyree

Granny:
Shuga we're going to miss you on this side of glory. But know to be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord. (2 Cor. 5:8). When God knocked on your door, I can hear you saying, "Whoo-hoo" and you hugged and kissed us one last time saying TT, see you later Alligator" Now, we're saying, "After while Crocodile!" Love Always And Forever
Great-Granddaughter and Family
TT (Tearia), Walter, Rijah and Trin.

To My Dear Mother:
I am so blessed to have had you for 59 years! You have supported me my entire life. From PTA meetings to Little League baseball, football. To Drum and Bugle Corps competition and parades. My entire high school experience and joining the United States Air Force and was even there when I retired, you have always been there. I am so grateful that I was right there to see you retire, you let go of my hands and grabbed hold to Jesus' hands. You left a legacy with the family and will be truly missed.
Forever in my Heart,
Your Son, Wilbert

Grannie:
You were the blueprint upon which I built my life. A woman of strength, dignity, wisdom and love. You set the standard for motherhood, family, and faith. I am who 1 am because of who you were. Your legacy lives on in all of us, I hope I made you proud.
Great-Granddaughter
Jasmeen