Gladys B. Williamson, nee Joseph, 70, of Belleville, IL, born Wednesday, June 7, 1950; in Belleville, IL, went to be with the Lord on Monday, March 29, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer; at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL.
Gladys grew up on her family’s centennial farm outside of O’Fallon, IL. She was a math teacher at Columbia High School and then a GED teacher and program administrator for Southwestern Illinois College, where she was dedicated to improving the lives of others through education. She was a member of St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Belleville, IL, and she enjoyed volunteering in the children’s ministry and for Vacation Bible School. She was a lifelong member of Enterprise Grange in O’Fallon, IL, and served as an Illinois State Grange officer.
Gladys loved playing the piano, cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals, dancing with her husband, sewing and playing games, traveling across the country with her family, tutoring children at Ellis Elementary School, and spending time with family and friends. She was a devoted grandmother to her six grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her:
- Husband: James K. Williamson, Jr.
- Parents: Levern and Laura, nee Suever, Joseph
She is survived by her:
- Children
- Laurie (James) McGowan of Mt. Prospect, IL
- Nathan (Molly) Williamson of Columbia, IL
- Dear brother: Kenneth (Mary Ann) Joseph of Lebanon, IL
- Beloved grandchildren
- Chelsea and Charlotte McGowan
- Jack, Cooper
- Archie and Sienna Rose Williamson
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the SWIC Foundation to be directed to the Robichaux, Williamson, Taylor and Whisman Scholarship Fund at Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, IL, for GED graduates aspiring to attend college.
Visitation: Friday, April 2, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL. (Social distancing will be observed.)
Funeral: Funeral procession will leave Kurrus Funeral Home at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 3, 2021 for a 1:30 p.m. graveside funeral service at O’Fallon City Cemetery with Rev. Larry Patton of St. Matthew United Methodist Church officiating.
9 Comments To "Gladys B. Williamson"
#1 Comment By Brian Bergmann On March 31, 2021 @ 1:37 pm
She was a truly selfless teacher, donating her free period one year to me individually learning calculus in high school before it was offered at the school. I owe a big part of my academic success to her, and learned how to serve others as an added bonus. I’ll miss her messages of encouragement.
#2 Comment By Lynn Schwoebel On March 31, 2021 @ 6:39 pm
Dear Laurie, Nathan and Families,
My heart is broken for you over the loss of your dear mother. It doesn’t matter how old we are, we are never ready to lose our mothers. Gladys was so sweet and even during her cancer treatments, she always had a beautiful smile on her face. I will miss seeing her at church. Just remember, this is not good bye, only until we meet again. Heaven is a more beautiful place now that she is there! And I’m sure it helps you to know that she and your dad have been reunited and are in the presence of their Lord and Savior. Praying that you continue to feel God’s loving arms wrapped around you, holding you close and filling you with His peace in the days and weeks ahead!
#3 Comment By Jeannie Rapp Geppinger On March 31, 2021 @ 10:29 pm
I always enjoyed Gladys’ sweet friendly personality as we grew up and went to school together in O’Fallon. What a lovely lady. Sincere sympathy for her family and close friends.
#4 Comment By Cara Laine On April 1, 2021 @ 10:58 am
My deepest sympathies to Lauri, Nathan and your families.
Gladys was a beautiful woman. Always there with a smile on her face.
Her memories are with me always. Her dreamsicle salad graces tables still today.
Prayers to you all as you go through this difficult time together.
McGowans-please feel my hugs sent from afar.
#5 Comment By Marilyn Scheibel, SSND On April 1, 2021 @ 4:01 pm
Gladys was so dedicated to education for which I am so grateful. In her childhood, her family was so willing to share their musical and many talents to benefit the enjoyment of others. May God continue to bless her family and all who cherish the life and love of Gladys. What a fantastic person!!!
#6 Comment By Tracy Martz On April 1, 2021 @ 8:28 pm
Laurie, Nathan and families: Our hearts are so saddened by the passing of your mom. I can remember when she and your dad married. I will never forget her kind and cheerful disposition and her beautiful smile. She was so very proud of her family; each time I saw her, she made sure to fill me in on you and your wonderful children. May God comfort you at this time, and may the memories of your precious mom bring you peace.
#7 Comment By Laureen Torigian On April 2, 2021 @ 1:12 pm
Dear Laurie, Nathan and Families,
I was so sorry to hear about your mom! She was such a friendly person with a beautiful smile! She and I had a lovely phone visit a couple months ago. She sounded so positive and cheerful!
May your wonderful memories bring you comfort in the days ahead!
#8 Comment By Harvey Holliday On April 3, 2021 @ 8:31 am
On behalf of Mom and the entire Holliday family we offer our sincere condolences to Kenny, Mary Ann and all of the Williamson children and grandchildren. As others have noted, Gladys was a wonderful sister, mother and grandmother. Personally, she was a great help and friend to Mom over the years for which we are very appreciative. Mom still reminisces about the Joseph/Holliday New Year’s Eve get togethers and cousins lunches. Thank you Gladys for being in our lives.
#9 Comment By Kelly Sonnenberg On April 14, 2021 @ 1:23 pm
Laurie and Nathan,
I just saw this. I am so sad to read this news. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Your mom was a wonderful woman and a great neighbor.