Henrietta Elizabeth Nelson, daughter of the late Ernestine Nelson and Marcellus Nelson, was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on August 5, 1951. She grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, relocated to Detroit, Michigan, and finally settled in Cleveland, Ohio, as a homemaker.
She attended the old East High in the Cleveland Public Schools district. She was the wife of Willie “Peanut” Smith, with 42 years of friendship and love.
Henrietta was blessed with seven beautiful children: Carlyleamaryllis Nelson-Wilson (Ronald), Ayanna Nelson, Raviele Nelson, Aaron Nelson (Delia), Eugene Nelson, Karaenus Nelson (JasMaine), and Willie Nelson and was also a proud grandmother of 29 grandchildren: Shrde Nelson, Michael Hill Jr., MyTaquia Nelson (Octavia), Michaela Wilson, Jaron Wilson, Myanna Carter (Chris), Douglas Norman Jr., Demarnay Norman, Davarr Norman, Cassiopea Nelson (Horace), Aurneaja Riddick (Tavon), Anfrenee Bush, Sharya Nelson, Benjamin Moore Jr., Jasire Thomas, Arieyanna Nelson, Aaron Nelson Jr., Eugene Nelson Jr., Jaionna Nelson, Delvon Bonton, Amari Rouse, Rayonna Nelson, Sirajh Blackwell, TahLi Nelson, Je’Zohni Nelson, Constance Burnette, Willow Nelson, Da’traevius Nelson, and Taymere Nelson; 27 great-grandchildren; and a loving sister to Alice Nelson.
She has a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and honorary family, holding the neighborhood’s title: “Mama Slim.” She was adored and feared, with love and admiration for her wisdom and her strength. She was such a loving, fun-filled, vibrant, tell-it-like-it-is, giving, and caring woman who treated everyone like extended family. If you ever were looking for Mama Slim, you would find her in the kitchen or outside enjoying nature’s beauty, but she could never sit still for long.
Mama Slim loved hosting gatherings and bringing her family and friends together through food, laughter, and a good card game. You would always find her loud, laughing, and cutting up somewhere in the fold. Once you’ve met Mama Slim, you could never forget her. She was truly the lioness of her den, the protector of her babies and loved ones. She was a remarkable woman and fulfilled her purpose and roles God placed upon her. After a valiant fight while in hospice care, Henrietta reached the end of her journey peacefully at home, surrounded by family. She quietly made her transition to a new life and home with eternal peace on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. As she is of this world no more, all her pain and sorrows are gone. She has strutted through Heaven’s Gate into God’s Kingdom, where her mother, father, and brother Vernell Nelson were waiting for her with open arms. The family finds comfort in knowing they will be reunited in heaven.
Those whom she leaves to cherish fond memories include, but are not limited to, the above-mentioned and a host of cousins, extended family, and friends. “And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord Jesus Christ.” Luke 2:26
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