Harriette Wilson was born in Chicago, IL on June 8, 1956. She moved to Minneapolis, MN in 1991, where she excelled personally and professionally, raising her five children while working as a professor teaching child development at St. Paul Technical College.
She continued her education, earning her master’s degree from the University of Minnesota. After relocating to North Carolina in 1999, having served as an instructor and department coordinator of Early Childhood Education at the College of Albermarle, Harriette moved back to Minneapolis and worked as a professor at Metropolitan State University. She received her tenure there while continuing her education, pursuing her doctorate degree.
Harriette was an amazing woman with an extraordinary heart and would go out of her way to help anyone in need. Anyone who knew Harriette loved her. She was a strong believer in the Lord and lived her life accordingly. Education was always at the forefront of Harriette’s life. She advocated to everyone within her reach the importance of a good education throughout one’s life.
Harriette is preceded in death by her father, Houston Burnes, and sister, Sherlon Ann Burnes. She is survived by her mother, Lavorn Burnes; brother, Charles Burnes Sr.; and sister, Joyce Styles, and her children, Terrence Wilson (Virginia Beach, VA), Marcus Wilson, LaVonne Wilson Fleurant, Shaela Wilson, and Lunette Castillo (Chicago, IL). She will also be missed dearly by her eight grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
A memorial celebration honoring Harriette’s life will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2-4 pm at Metropolitan State University in the Great Hall, New Main Building, St. Paul Campus.
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