This is our incredible grandmother. Known as "Ma" to her 17 grandchildren. She loved every one of her grandchildren and was known to pray for each one of them by name daily. As time passed she eventually had 29 great grandchildren, many who never knew her. She could not have been more respected and loved. Over a span of 23 years, she had 9 children, raising 4 boys and 4 girls to adulthood, losing 1 daughter in infancy to pneumonia.

She was born in 1880 in Neshoba County, MS to Winder and Nancy Jane Hillman, and resided there her entire life. She married John H. Williamson in 1899 and they began their lives together farming in Neshoba County, Mississippi.

Being a farmer's wife, she experienced many trials and blessings. She was a woman of deep faith who trusted God completely. As in many rural communities, church attendance was simply a part of life and you better have a good reason if your usual place in the pew was empty on Sunday morning. People noticed!
She was devoted to her family, a hard worker, up before dawn each morning. I don't think she ever "slept in". Whenever I begin to complain about all I need to do , I just think of what a typical day must have been for her and that shuts me up pretty quick. No indoor plumbing, no electricity, which meant no electrical appliances, the hogs were the garbage disposal, no microwave. She would do the laundry in wash tubs on a washboard. She had a wood stove most of her married life that was a challenge. She had that stove mastered though, and could turn out biscuits that no modern oven could match. I think an electric vacuum cleaner would have scared her. Ready-made,processed food was never considered. Everything was homemade from scratch with most of the ingredients fresh off the farm.
It was not unusual for her to put other's needs before her own. As if she did not have enough to do caring for her large family. She was always aware if a neighbor was sick or needed a helping hand. She was quick to be of service to others.

On any given day, she could be found in the kitchen of the family home. Spending many hours preparing food. It was a rare occasion if the cupboard did not contain freshly baked bread, rolls, pies, cakes, etc. Living on a prosperous farm kept the family fed. Fresh or canned fruits and vegetables were plentiful. The generous bounty was never taken for granted. She made sure thanks was offered up at every meal. She was also a talented seamstress, making clothes for her children, as well as creating many quilts to keep the family cozy warm during the winter months and was very handy with a crochet hook.

We were very blessed to have had her in our lives. She is deeply missed. We will meet again.