"Steve, Linda & Jim....I'm so very sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I have so many fond memories of her from my days in 4-H, and as my classmate's mom. I never saw her without a big smile on her face...and a freshly baked goodie to share with us! Bless you all in this difficult time, and may the many memories of love and laughter bring you peace. With loving thoughts & prayers....Judy Kelley-McClintock"
In loving memory of
Phyllis Fayrene Williamson
February 7, 1934 - September 6, 2018
Phyllis F. Williamson, 84, of Emerson, died on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at the Methodist Hospital in Omaha, NE. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 10, 2018 at the Loess Hills Funeral Home in Malvern, IA. Burial will be in the Wesley Chapel Cemetery, rural Hastings, IA. Visitation will be on Sunday, September 9, 2018 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorials: A memorial fund has been established
Phyllis Fayrene (Bownes) Williamson was born in rural Fremont County, Iowa on February 7, 1934, to Viles Lynn and Irmel Leona (Bell) Bownes. She had two younger sisters, Joycelyn and Sharron. Phyllis began her education in a one room schoolhouse in Thurman, Iowa and graduated from the Tabor High School in 1951.
Phyllis married John Francis "Jack" Williamson on August 10, 1951 in Des Moines, Iowa. They settled on a farm near Imogene, Iowa, following Jack's service during the Korean War, in 1953. Their marriage was blessed with three children James, Linda, and Steven. In 1960, the family moved to a farm north of Malvern, Iowa, where their children attended school. During this time Phyllis was active in the St. John's Lutheran Church, rural Hastings and Ladies Aid.
Phyllis enjoyed taking care of her family, gardening, was a fabulous cook and baker, and loved visiting with her family and friends. Her family's favorite recipe for Hawaiian Ham Balls was selected to be published in the Pfaltzgraff Collector's Cookbook in 1990. Phyllis was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and a good friend to all who knew her.
Phyllis, Jack, and their sons later moved to a small acreage near Emerson, Iowa. She and Jack were married 52 years when Jack died on October 19, 2003 in Red Oak, Iowa.
Phyllis passed away on September 6, 2018 at the Nebraska Methodist Hospital in Omaha, at the age of 84 years, 6 months, and 29 days. In addition to her beloved husband Jack, she was preceded in death by her parents; sister Joy Keeran, and brothers-in-law, Wilbur McClarnon, Bob Olenius, and Rodney Graham.
Phyllis is survived by her children, Jim Williamson of Emerson, Linda McGrew and her husband Bill of Emerson, and Steve Williamson of Emerson; granddaughter, Melissa Escritt and her husband Mervin of Council Bluffs, IA; grandson, Billy McGrew of Emerson; sister Sharron Graham of Shambaugh, IA; brother-in-law Jim Keeran and his wife Hilda of Palm Desert, CA; sister-in-law Barbara Olenius of Clarinda, IA; nieces and nephews; extended family; and many friends.
Tributes
"Jim, Thoughts and prayers with you on the loss of your mom. God Bless....Matt K"
"Sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed our family gatherings and enjoyed your folks. Barbara called me as were on our way to Seattle or I would have come up. Know you have alot of great memories. Sincerely, Donald and Cham Crawford"
"Sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed our family gatherings and enjoyed your folks. Barbara called me as were on our way to Seattle or I would have come up. Know you have alot of great memories. Sincerely, Donald and Cham Crawford"
"So sorry to hear about your loss , our thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family Merv and Maria Escritt"
"Linda, Was sorry to hear that your Mom passed away. Please accept my sincere sympathy. Sincerely Joanna Shere"
"Aunt Phyllis was such a good cook our family would go back to visit every summer when I was a child always remembered her gardens especially the Beef Steak tomatoes. As an adult my family visited always greeted us with open arms but when I came back one summer I had 2 little boys and was pregnant she said Marcie I don?t care what you do but just don?t have that baby back here she just wanted to make sure I made it back to California before doing that she will be missed prayers to everyone so sorry I couldn?t make it Love Marcie Condon"
"Jim, Linda & Steve?sending sympathy and hugs to you as you mourn the loss of your mom. I have so many good memories of her from St. John?s, 4-H (Peppy Pals & Hastings Jr. Feeders) and school!! She was always bubbly and had a twinkle in her eye!! She was a good friend to my mom.... May many good memories help ease your loss and sustain you as you move forward. She?s smilin? down on you!! Kathy Leu Wiemer"
"I am thinking of you and so sorry for your loss! Lu Anne Hastings Neuharth "
"Steve so sorry to hear the loss of your mother. Thoughts and prayers to the family."
"Steve, Linda and Jim, I am thinking of you in your loss.Your mom was always friendly, kind and always had a laugh. I have great memories of her. Kevin Stewart "