Wanda Barker McKinney Nielson

Wanda Barker McKinney Nielson, daughter of the late Alonzo and Cloda Daulton Colyer, was born at Elihu, Kentucky on April 25th, 1936 and she departed this life on August 26th, 2023 having attained the age of 87 years.

She was first united in marriage to Mr. Weldon Barker, he preceded her in death. She was later united in marriage to Mr. Elwood McKinney, he also preceded her in death. At the time of her passing, she was united in marriage to Mr. Kenneth Nielson, he survives.
Other survivors include; Rex (and Paula) Barker of Lexington, KY, Denny (and Susan) Barker of Somerset, KY, Kelly (and Michelle) Barker of Somerset, KY, Cindy Barker of Somerset, KY, Joan Haltom of Lexington, KY, Kathy & (Nick) Thompson of Owensboro, KY; one sister, Shirley Garner of Louisville, KY. and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Other than her parents and two previous husbands, she was also preceded in death by; one brother, Benny Colyer.

Wanda graduated from Ferguson High School and later worked as an inspector of GE Glass Plant for a few months before retuning to the jewelry business to help her mother, father and husband run Colyers Jewelry.  She and Weldon moved to Glasgow, KY for a while and Weldon ran a dry cleaning business. Wanda's father wanted to sell the jewelry business to her and Weldon and they moved back to Somerset to establish Barkers Jewelry which they ran for many years.

Wanda and Weldon still found time to square dance at various places around this area, bringing the children when they went. After Weldons passing, Wanda later married Elwood McKinney. She and Elwood traveled to many Shriners events until his passing. Wanda last married Ken Nielson in 2005. They moved to Waynesburg, KY where they raised goats, cattle and horses. Wanda enjoyed flowers, gardening, gospel concerts at the Gospel Barn and various other musical events.  In 2013 she and Ken moved back to Somerset. They attended Beacon Hill Baptist Church.

Wanda has been such a blessing to all who knew her and was deeply loved and respected. She was a kind lady who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A funeral service will be held at the Pulaski Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m. Friday. Burial will follow in the Lakeside Memorial Gardens.

The family of Mrs. Nielson will receive friends at the Pulaski Funeral Home from 5 to 8 
p.m. Thursday, August 31st, 2023.

in lieu of flowers the family requests expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to the  Missionary Womens Unit of the Beacon Hill Baptist Church or Pulaski County Alzheimer's Respite Center.

Pulaski Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.