Harriett was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Moved to Lexington in 1952 and attended the University of Kentucky. She served on the EEI Board for 25 years as Chair of Public Relation and other duties. Harriett also served as chair of the 1968 Lexington Jr. League Horse Show. 

Harriett has served on the Boards of Downtown Lexington Association, Spindletop Hall, Florence Crittentom Home, UK United Way, Friends of the Arboretum and other community groups. She is a member of Calvary Baptist Church.