Mary Maree Williamson

Tribute to Mary Maree Williamson: Mary Maree Williamson, of Burford, Georgia, passed away on Monday, July 12, 2021 in her home at age 87 from complications due to COPD. Mary was born in Valley Head, Alabama on June 1, 1934. Mrs. Williamson moved to Atlanta, Georgia when she was eighteen-years old to attend a women’s business school. She met her soon-to-be husband, Billy Williamson, in Piedmont Park in 1953, and they married soon thereafter. Billy Buena Williamson was from Boaz, Alabama, born on July 2, 1934. Tragically, Billy preceded Mary in death on March 15, 1963, at the young age of 29. After Billy’s death, Mary remained in Atlanta, Georgia all her life Mary is also preceded in death by her mother & father, Julia Findley Owen and John Owen; her sister Edna Owen Mathis and her baby sister Louise Owen. Mary is survived by her only child, Rhonda Carol Williamson Gargis Mitschele, who also resides in Buford, Georgia. Her sister Wilma Owen Britt of Montgomery, Alabama, and Wilma’s children, spouses and grandchildren are: Carol Britt Easterly & husband Lewis Easterly; two grand-children Marla Easterly and Susan Easterly. Wilma’s grandchildren are: Diana Britt Dooley and Britt Dooley, children of Marla Easterly Dooley and Payton Dooley; and Thomas Easterly Harper and Mary Cate Easterly Harper, children of Susan Easterly and David Harper. Also survived by and who were very much a part of Mary’s life: Skippy Mathis and Barbara; John Story and , W.J. Story and Carolyn, Unafaye & Clyde Martin; Donna Findley, and Rachael Findley. Mary obtained her certificate from the business school and began a 50-plus year career in the insurance industry specializing in Marine Underwriting. One of her first employers MOAC helped her to meet many other life-long friends, including Wanda Groover, John Pierce and Jeff Fox. Mary retired and then went back to work part-time at IMU as a clerical assistant where she worked with many of the same people. Mary was a member of the Atlanta Insurance Women’s Club throughout her career, which tried to better the insurance field for women and also better the city of Atlanta. Mary’s daughter, Rhonda, also wishes to thank so many other family and friends who helped make it possible to keep her mother at her home until death. An attempt will be made to name them all but there are so many to name: Scott Daniel Andrews, special friend to Rhonda and Mary loved him so much; neighbors who watched over Mary while Rhonda ran to take care of errands, long-time friends Linda O’Connor and Maggie; Deidre Martin and Doug Martini; Pam Brown Spiegel & Travis, Jeanne Avina; Melody Murray and Donny of Australia ; Also, Mary’s friends of more than 50 years, Marie Roach, Polly Harris, Gail Doss and Larry & Katy Roach. Also, neighbors in Tucker, Georgia Ruby Williams, Nadina Jones and Darlene. For spiritual comfort and growth, Mary attended the First Baptist Church, Atlanta, with Dr. Charles Stanley and upon his retirement, Pastor Anthony George. Mary’s Sunday school class is the Builders’ Class, headed by Carole Sawyer, who are a group of women of various ages that study the Bible and also work for less-fortunate Anyone wishing to donate money to the church in memory of Mary Maree Williamson, please make checks payable to First Baptist Church, Atlanta, and in the “For” section place “For Missions in Memory of Mary Williamson.” Lastly, I would like to give thanks to Kindred Hospice, 2302 Parklake Drive, NE, Suite 150, Atlanta, Georgia 30345, Telephone is 678.937.1800. The website is www.kindredhealthcare.com Without the employees of Kindred Hospice, who took calls from me at all hours of the day and night, I would not have made it through. Each of these employees deserve special recognition and gratitude: Head Nurse Alethea, Social Worker Elizabeth, Aide Justine and Hospice Pastor Don. Without these special people my mother’s journey would have been filled with discomfort and fear. As it was, because they were always there, she was at peace and felt love up to her last breath on this earth and until meeting God. Thanks again to all those who helped me feel not so alone while taking care of my mother and giving her a chance to pass gracefully at home. This tribute to my mother does not contain half of the information that should be included but everyone understands there is no way to fit a life time of memories into a few pages. Because of the possibility of new COVID strains and many of my mother’s family and friends are battling their own illnesses or injuries and live 60-plus miles away, and it’s too hard for them to come to Buford right now. However, a Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. Information will be provided at that time. God Bless All of You, Rhonda Gargis Mitschele

Mary Maree Williamson

June 1, 1934 - July 12, 2021