Josephine C. Williamson

Josephine C. Williamson, 91, of Benton Harbor, MI passed away Sunday, January 04, 2015 at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville, MI. A Celebration of Life Eternal will be held 11:00 A.M. Thursday, January 8, 2015 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 2673 W. John Beers Rd., Stevensville, with Rev. Ehlke officiating.  Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church.  Burial will be at Riverview Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School. Those wishing to sign Josephine’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Josephine was born in Lakota, North Dakota to Josef and Josephine (Retzlaff) Ettl. After attending a one room country school she graduated from Lakota High school in 1941. Upon graduation Josephine and her sister Mary moved to Grand Rapids, MI where she was employed at the Pantlind Hotel. She met her husband Roy Stewart Williamson who was stationed in Grand Rapids with the military. They were married April 3, 1943. After the end of WW II, Roy and Josephine farmed in Lakota, ND.  They moved to Benton Harbor in late 1949.  Josephine lived in the same house on Nickerson Avenue for 65 years.  She was a devout member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, a life member of the Art Guild, and a member of the TOPS club. Josephine was an accomplished artist, frequently showing her work in area shows. She enjoyed tending to her flower gardens, cooking & baking fruit pies. Josephine is survived by her four children: Michael (Claudia) Williamson of Northville, MI, Debra Williamson of Holland, MI, Matthew (Linda) Williamson of St. Joseph and Martin (Jane) Williamson of Seattle, WA; thirteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces & nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Roy on March 21, 1986, and by 11 brothers & sisters.