E. Jean Williamson
March 13, 1919 - May 3, 2012
Resident of Oakland
Jean Williamson passed away peacefully at her home in Oakland, Calif., on May 3 at the age of 93. Her husband, Harry M. Williamson, preceded her in 2005 as did her eldest brother, Richard C. Morrall in 2009. She is survived by her sister, Beth Bodily of Winnemucca, her three children Tom (Joanne), Bruce (Sima), and Julie (Mark), and her beloved grandchildren.
Jean was born in Youngstown, Ohio, where her father owned a grocery store. When she was only four months old her parents moved the family to Winnemucca to be closer to her mother's parents. Her mother taught Jean piano during her childhood years and she left Winnemucca in 1936 to attend the College of the Pacific as a music major.
During the War, Jean worked at Mills College as Secretary to the Dean of Women and later with the Philco CO. in San Francisco.
She married Harry M. Williamson in 1946 and moved with him to Portland, Ore., where he was working for the Southern Pacific Railroad. She gave birth to Tom and Bruce while they were living in Portland. In 1952 Harry was transferred to San Francisco and Julie was born in Oakland the following year.
Jean led a full life. With Harry often being away on business trips she managed the house and the raising of three children. At times the family home sounded like a conservatory with three children practicing music in various rooms of the house. She was active as a pianist, as a member of the College Ave Presbyterian Church, and with the PTA.
After Harry's retirement in 1975, Jan and Harry had many wonderful trips to various destinations around the world. They both enjoyed traveling, playing golf and music, and she was active for many years as a volunteer and pianist for a Senior Center at her church.
A "celebration of Life" is planned for Sunday, June 10, at 1:30 p.m. It will be held at the College Avenue Presbyterian Church, 5951 College Ave., Oakland, CA 94618. For those who wish, memorial contributions can be made to her church or the charity of your choice.
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