Bitsie Marjorie Mame Williamson

Bitsie passed away on May 20, 2011. She was born March 16, 1920 to Marguerite and Harry Lynn. Mr. and Mrs. Lynn were lifelong residents of Ballinger where Mr. Lynn served as president of First National Bank, having been associated with the bank for 65 years until his retirement in 1974.

Bitsie graduated from Ballinger High School as salutatorian of her class. She was a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Hardin-Simmons University where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Art and Elementary Education and minoring in English. She spent twenty-nine rewarding years teaching in Texas Public Schools.

It was at Hardin-Simmons that she became a member of a close-knit group of friends known as “The Sewing Club.” After graduating in 1941, this group of 12 friends met regularly for over 60 years.

She married Jim Williamson on May 20, 1951 in Philadelphia, Mississippi. They lived in Ballinger, Kingsville, Taft, and Kermit, Texas, returning to Ballinger in 1994 to spend their retirement years. Members of their family hosted a celebration of their fiftieth wedding anniversary on May 20, 2004 at Carnegie Library.

Bitsie was active in Presbyterian Women’s work in towns in which she lived. It was with great pride that she served on the Advisory Board of Kermit Community Church and as Elder of First Presbyterian Church of Ballinger.

While residing in Kermit she became a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, International Society for teachers. She was a docent for Medallion Hostesses of The Medallion Home, Kermit’s Texas Historical Landmark Museum. She was a member of the Winkler County Historical commission and a long time member and past president of Kermit Garden Club. She worked with the first Kermit October Affair Arts and Crafts Show which originated in 1973, and she continued as a board member for twelve years, serving as board president in 1984.

Survivors include beloved son, Wes Williamson and wife, Jan, of Euless, Texas; three beloved grandsons: Michael Williamson and wife,Terri, of Burbank, California, Matthew Williamson of Austin, Texas, and Trey Williamson of Euless, Texas; a very special niece, Rebecca Nicholson and husband, Dick, of Horseshoe Bay; niece, Wendi Wright of Austin; nephew, Heath Wright of Marble Falls; beloved sister-in-law, Sue Williamson of San Angelo; and daughter-in-law, Suzanne Cox and husband, Don, of Austin.

She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents; a beloved son, Fred Lynn Williamson; sister, Dorothy Hall; and close cousin, Charlie Tibbs of Los Angeles, California.

Visitation for family and friends will be Sunday, May 22 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 23 at 1:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church with burial in Ballinger Evergreen Cemetery.

If desired, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, Carnegie Library, or a charity of your choice.