Back to Obituaries J.W. Woodward Funeral Home | Spartanburg, SC

Harriet Nesmith

Passed 12/25/2023

Obituary For Harriet Nesmith

Harriet Elaine Gleaton Nesmith, 47, peacefully transitioned on Monday, December 25, 2023 at Greenville Memorial Hospital. She was born on June 28, 1976 to the late Harry Lane and Martha Nell Gleaton in Seneca, SC.


Harriet attended Pendleton and Seneca Schools. She went on to further her education at Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC. After college, Harriet worked as a DJJ officer and later joined the Urban League where she was assigned to Union County High School. During that time, she met the love of her life, Gary L. Nesmith. She was currently working for the Department of Health and Human Health Services (DHHS) as a LTC Eligibility Coach (Trainer).


Harriet was married to Gary on May 19, 2007. To this union four children were born, three of whom preceded her in death: Tamara Michelle, Kristen London and Kaitlyn MaKenzie Nesmith.
Harriet was a huge advocate for her children and protected them at any cost.


She was a devoted member of First Worship Church where she served on the Choir as she possessed a strong alto voice, Stewardess Board and Director of the Children's Choir. Harriet enjoyed singing, talking and counseling people.


In addition to her loving husband, Gary, left to cherish fond and loving memories are: her son, Drake; her brother/son, Alonzo (Jobreyia) Gleaton of Whitmire; her father and mother-in-law, Rand and Bobbie Nesmith of Andrew, SC; her sisters-in-law, Gail Pressley of Kingstree, SC and Attia Nesmith of Andrews, SC; her special brothers-in-law, Howard Giles (Juanita) and Balvin Dorsey (Ruby); her special nieces, Andrea Gleaton and Salaysia Nesmith; her six nieces; her four great-nieces; her great-nephew; her godson, Malachi Johnson; her seven aunts, Bobbie Jean Rice, Mary E. Richardson, Betty Hardy, Jannie (William) Acker, Mamie Norwood (Allen), Tacoa Johnson (James) and Elizabeth Holland; her three uncles, John Henry Lee (Effie), Izaaiah Lee (Maggie) and Tommy Lee; and a host of cousins and friends.

A Celebration of the Life of Harriet Elaine Gleaton Nesmith will be held on Sunday, December 31, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at First Worship Church, 504 N. Church Street, Spartanburg, South Carolina. Livestream will be available via Facebook on the TEEFERGUSONREPORT.

Burial will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mark AME Church, 21 Ransom Road, Kingstree, South Carolina.


Condolences & Tributes

Add A Condolence

Monique McElveen sent Enduring Spirit Pothos Basket for Harriet Nesmith - December 29, 2023

In loving memory of my dear friend and housemate, Harriet Nesmith. My God give the Gleaton-Nesmith strength during this time of bereavement. Monique McElveen

Send flowers for Harriet Nesmith

Beautiful Dreams was sent for Harriet Nesmith - December 29, 2023

Kindra Rush sent Solace Ivy Planter for Harriet Nesmith - December 28, 2023

I'll never forget Harriet. One of the sweetest souls from Seneca. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Kindra (Lee) Rush

Shirley Connelly sent Beautiful Dreams for Harriet Nesmith - December 26, 2023

We loved Harriet. Garry, we were shocked to hear the news. Prayers for you and Drake at this sad time. So many precious memories of Harriet. Love you. Shirley and Harrell

Jacqualyn Canada planted 5 trees in memory of Harriet Nesmith . - December 28, 2023

Plant trees for Harriet Nesmith

Harriet, was beautiful inside and out. She is truly missed! May GOD bless and keep you all, and you are continually in my prayers

Love,

Michele A. Cunningham

May you all find peace in knowing that to be absent from the body is to be present with God. I remember Harriet's smile, she would always light up a room, so I began calling her Queen Harriet. As she always carried herself in the likeness and dignity of a ๐Ÿ‘‘ queen. Although she's not here in the body, her spirit lives

Malachi, and Dr's Anthony & Yvette Gaines

Gary you are in my thoughts and prayers. You know how much Harold and I cared for your family. You were so good to us during Harold's illness and death. I will be by to see you later at work. God bless you and the family. I did not know until today about Harriet's death, Cynthia Bates called me. Bobbie Jean Lawson

To Gary and Drake,

Our deepest sympathy as you navigate this very difficult time. May God provide comfort to you!. God Bless!

Matt and Denise Infanzon

I met Harriet , second, when we worked at WOM-Spartanburg but Gary, first, when we worked at SRMC. Harriet was always sunshine out -of- the - gray. My condolences to Gary, Drake, and family/friends. Grief is not a journey to getting over it or getting past it. It is about adjusting your life to accommodate it. To revel in the love and live for them! โ€”Salena & Doug Richardson

Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to Gary and Drake. She will be missed by all of us. Much love and prayers.

To Gary and family, you have my condolences.l pray that God will comfort you and your family doing this time. God's grace and mercy will bring you through.. He will be there for you morning, noon and night, he will comfort you and give you peace during this time Rev., Sandra Giles McBeth๐Ÿ™๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿพ

Gary, My deepest condolences to you and Drake & the other family members. I pray God's peace that surpasses all understanding & strength as you grieve the loss of the love of your life! May the memories that you all created get you through the days ahead. This be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.๐Ÿ™๐Ÿฝ LaShay Montgomery Austin & Family

Gary and Drake, I am so sorry to hear of Harriet's transition to her heavenly home. She had such a sweet spirit that radiated like a breath of fresh air. Praying that God's strength and power will sustain you at this difficult time. Bert๐Ÿ’

Harriett will truly be missed! I'll never forget her contagious smile and vibrant energy. With sisterly and genuine love and concern, she always looked out for those she encountered! This is what made her such an awesome person and joy to have in your presence. Now, "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord"! Rest in peace! Until we meet again- Farewell, friend!

Miss u family R.I.P

Gary and family Our thoughts and continued prayers to you and the family during this difficult time. May God keep you all in His eternal care... Darren and Christie Wright

My condolences to you Dr.Nesmith and your family , Harriett and I were classmates at Seneca High, Her love will continue on

I met Harriet while working at WOM-Spartanburg! She was a sweet person always gave encouraging words and always had a smile on her face! We had some great talks and laughs in her office! A strong woman who loved God, her family, and friends. A sweet beautiful person! She will be greatly missed! Prayers and comfort to her husband, son, brother, family and friends! Lamitris Sarter

To Dr. Gary Nesmith, my condolences to you and your family. May God continue to comfort you and give you peace. - Sesonya Fincher

I met Harriet a few years ago at SCDHHS it was always a pleasure to see and chat with her! We connected over our Oconee Co roots and common friends. I will surely miss my sweet friend, our jokes, her sweet smile and warm hugs. My heart and prayers go out to Gary, Drake and the rest of her family and friends.

Jessica

Harriet was a treasure. To know her was to love her. Her kindness and vibrancy will always be remembered. My deepest condolences to the family and all her friends.

Harriet was as beautiful as her smile. Our Lord picked another lovely flower. Prayers with the family as you readjust. Emma S Garner Union SC

Harriet was a beautiful person inside and out. I met her at Claflin back in 1997. She was very sweet and funny and she could slay some hair to the Gods! She use to work at MMcDonald's and would hook me up. She and I spoke thru messenger on Nov 20th and she shared some things with me about her new diagnosis after she lost Kaitlin.... I honestly believe she died from a broken heart. ๐Ÿ’” She missed her baby girl more than anything.

My condolences to you cousin Gary and family. Be encourage, God will take care of you. Peace & Love, Cousin, Pastor Diana Davis

Gary you and your family have my deepest condolences. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Tracey Harmon

To Gary, Drake and Alonzo, Prayers for you in this time of sorrow. Harriet was my girl and she called me Mom because she was the daughter I had always wanted. I cherish our times together just as you do always. Praises to God on High. Love yall

Debra Hill Hunter

Deepest condolences, Cousin Gary you have my heart felt sympathy. When ever I saw Harriet she had a smile and personality that would light up any room. She will be missed. You are in our prayers. Sending condolences. Ritchie and Blondell Nesmith Smith

Gary & family, we are so saddened by the sudden loss of your beautiful wife Harriet. Please know that are prayers and thoughts are with you always. She is with our Lord Jesus and will be reunited with her precious daughter and other family members in heaven. May you and Drake know that we have you in our thoughts and prayers always....We love you all with all our hearts!!! Cathy & Larry Webber & family

My condolences to the family at this time of your loss my prayers are with the entire family. May God give you all the peace you need.

Love, Sonya Gillespie

Deepest sympathy is extended to you Gary and family. Harriet called me Momma ever since we met through my daughter Davice while at Claflin. What an angel she was! That smile radiated wherever we saw each other. Much love to the family.

Evangelist Ella Williams

Gary, I'm so sorry for your loss. Harriet was a beautiful Christian woman inside and out. Praying for your strength and comfort in the days ahead. Lara & Matthew Goodfellow

Or deepest condolences from Warren, Jameka, and Ashton Williams. Harriet was an amazing friend and well loved. She will be greatly missed. Praying for Gary and Drake.

Jameka Williams

To Gary and Family.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Harriet was a pleasant young lady with a gentle smile.Demetra Monique Williams Jeter and Christine Peake Williams of Cross Keys Community, Enoree SC

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

J.W. Woodward Funeral Home | Spartanburg, SC

Best Sellers

Plant Trees
Plant Trees

$50.00

Beautiful Dreams
Beautiful Dreams

$84.95

Gracious Lavender Basket
Gracious Lavender Basket

$134.95

Serene Lily Basket
Serene Lily Basket

$104.95

Pink Tribute Spray
Pink Tribute Spray

$149.95

Sweet Moments
Sweet Moments

$74.95

Mixed Spray
Mixed Spray

$149.95

Red and White Handled Basket
Red and White Handled Basket

$84.95

Peace & Serenity Dishgarden
Peace & Serenity Dishgarden

$79.95

Traditional Floor Basket
Traditional Floor Basket

$79.95

Ocean Devotion
Ocean Devotion

$79.95

The Peace Lily
The Peace Lily

$94.95

Living Spirit Dishgarden
Living Spirit Dishgarden

$79.95

Red and White Floor Basket
Red and White Floor Basket

$89.95

Mixed flowers in a handled basket
Mixed flowers in a handled basket

$89.95

The Loving Light Dishgarden
The Loving Light Dishgarden

$79.95

Ocean Breeze Spray
Ocean Breeze Spray

$184.95

Precious Heart Bouquet
Precious Heart Bouquet

$84.95

Enduring Spirit Pothos Basket
Enduring Spirit Pothos Basket

$74.95

Sympathy Spray
Sympathy Spray

$159.95

Radiant Foliage Planter
Radiant Foliage Planter

$89.95

Heartfelt Memories
Heartfelt Memories

$94.95

Stately Croton
Stately Croton

$79.95

Medium Dish Garden
Medium Dish Garden

$99.95

Forever in Our Hearts Casket Adornment
Forever in Our Hearts Casket Adornment

$79.95

Love's Journey
Love's Journey

$84.95

Garden of Memories
Garden of Memories

$134.95

Sweet Tranquility Basket
Sweet Tranquility Basket

$89.95

Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum

$84.95

Tender Tribute
Tender Tribute

$129.95

Deeply Adored
Deeply Adored

$79.95

Your Light Shines
Your Light Shines

$119.95

Joyful Memory
Joyful Memory

$119.95

Heavenly Grace Spray
Heavenly Grace Spray

$189.95

Bright and Beautiful Spray
Bright and Beautiful Spray

$184.95

America the Beautiful
America the Beautiful

$74.95

Small Garden Dish
Small Garden Dish

$74.95

Loving Lilies and Roses Bouquet
Loving Lilies and Roses Bouquet

$169.95

Rainbow Reflections Basket
Rainbow Reflections Basket

$104.95

Splendid Memories Bouquet
Splendid Memories Bouquet

$79.95

Golden Days Basket
Golden Days Basket

$79.95

Serene Retreat
Serene Retreat

$94.95

Heavenly Heights Bouquet
Heavenly Heights Bouquet

$79.95

Heavenly & Harmony
Heavenly & Harmony

$84.95

Large Mixed Plant Dish Garden
Large Mixed Plant Dish Garden

$114.95

Dreams From the Heart Bouquet
Dreams From the Heart Bouquet

$104.95

Vivid Recollections
Vivid Recollections

$94.95

Sunny Memories
Sunny Memories

$139.95

Emerald Garden Basket
Emerald Garden Basket

$84.95

Sacred Duty Spray
Sacred Duty Spray

$184.95

French Garden
French Garden

$79.95

Celestial Love
Celestial Love

$84.95

Peace Lily
Peace Lily

$84.95

Blossoms in Vogue
Blossoms in Vogue

$84.95

Large Basket Garden
Large Basket Garden

$104.95

Lily and Rose Tribute Spray
Lily and Rose Tribute Spray

$264.95

The New Sunrise Bouquet
The New Sunrise Bouquet

$79.95

Blessings Bouquet
Blessings Bouquet

$84.95

Rays of Light Spray
Rays of Light Spray

$189.95

Eternal Peace Basket
Eternal Peace Basket

$79.95

Rose Remembrance
Rose Remembrance

$194.95

Fall Fantasia
Fall Fantasia

$84.95

Sacred Garden Spray
Sacred Garden Spray

$239.95