Julia Elizabeth Waters Williamson

            Julia Elizabeth Williamson died peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family on October 23, 2023.  She was born on November 22, 1940 in Pascagoula, Mississippi to Fred and Eva Waters.  She married the love of her life, Charles Claiborne Williamson and started her career in banking at Pascagoula-Moss Point Bank in 1958.

            Judy, as she was called by all, rose up in the banking profession from teller to Vice President of Retail and Financial Services when she retired in January 15, 2014.  She loved and excelled in her banking career, but her true gift and lifelong passion was being a mama to her three children.  This love grew to include nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  Her office, as well as her home, were always open to all.  She made each one, whether a banking customer, a family member, or a friend, feel as if they were the most important person in the room. 

            She loved her church family at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Pascagoula.  She was an active member and at one time served as a Sunday school teacher, alter guild member, and a member of the Daughters of the King.  She was also a proud member of the Zonta Club of Pascagoula and the Red Hats.  Each gave her lifelong friendships. 

            She lived for her family and was always ready to lend a hand and help in any way she could.  She offered her love to all that she met and enjoyed spending time with those she loved and always put other’s needs above her own.  She had a dry wit and always enjoyed sharing a story or an observation.  Her kitchen will always be remembered for being full of good food and always having room for one more.

            She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Eva, and by her husband, Charles.  She is survived by three children; Teresa Williamson, Charles C. Williamson Jr. (JoAnn), Billy Williamson (Kim), and her “adopted son” Eric Crawford; siblings Lynda Howell, Fred Waters (Dianne) and Jeff Waters; grandchildren Carpenter Marsalis (Charles), Charles Stevens, Ashley Shows (Carby), Clay Williamson (Krystal), Emily Higdon (Brent), Jacob Williamson, Billy Van Williamson Jr., and Taylor Williamson; and her great grandchildren Hasie Marsalis, Caleb Shows, Caden Shows, Sophia Shows, Christian Shows, Charli-Kate Shows, Blair Higdon, Isabella Higdon, Annabelle Higdon, Kara-Lynn Higdon, Alayna Tillman, and Dalton Tillman.  She also leaves numerous family and friends including her brothers in law Kent Williamson (Pam) and Billy Williamson (Sue) and two special friends, Mr. Robert Walker and Mrs. Evelyn Draughn. 

            Visitation will be held Monday, October 30, 2023 from 6-9 pm at O’Bryant-O’Keefe Funeral Home with church services at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at 11 am.  Interment will follow at Jackson County Memorial Park Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Charles Williamson, Billy Williamson, Eric Crawford, Clay Williamson, Charles Stevens, Billy Van Williamson Jr., and Jacob Williamson.

Honorary Pallbearers are Fred Waters, Jeff Waters, Cody Waters, Henry Waters, Seth Waters, Nathan Waters, Jerry Howell Jr., Wes Howell and David Cook. To share memories or condolences, please visit the tribute wall at www.obryantokeefe.com.

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