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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Williamson, Loletta Ruth

Age 87

WILLIAMSON, Loletta Ruth (Spurgeon) It is with both great sorrow and celebration that I announce that my mother, Loletta Ruth (Spurgeon) Williamson, 87, went home to be with the Lord at 4:36 in the afternoon on Sunday, November 18, 2012 at the Spokane Veterans Home, where she achieved rest from all her labor.

God who is faithful, blessed her through all the tribulations of her life, then lovingly took her to live forever and ever in His presence.

Daughter of Austin Stanley Spurgeon and Sylvia Ethel (Russell) Spurgeon, she was born August 31, 1925 at Fairland, Oklahoma.

She grew up in the Miami, Oklahoma area and was educated in the Miami, Oklahoma public schools.

While attending the Assembly of God Church in Miami, Loletta met her future husband, Carl Allen Williamson, son of Cleo and Alta (Jackson) Williamson and the couple were married June 26, 1943 at Noel, Missouri.

Carl always called her “Honey” and to this union were welcomed four children: Vencile Lee, Charles, Ruth, and Brenda Williamson.

For several years after their marriage, Loletta played and sang in a Country Gospel trio consisting of herself on the accordion, Carl on the guitar, and mother Sylvia on the fiddle.

The trio played at Revival brush arbor meetings across Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas.

Growing up during the Great Depression, Loletta learned from her mother how to be industrious and thrifty.

Loletta always said she was thankful that her mother had instilled in her the ability to “work” and to “save”.

Through the years, she handled all the household finances, drove the family car, and made all appointments concerning the family.

She was always eager to attack with great zest the work that was to be done, whether it was for herself or others.

When Carl decided to obtain more education and enter the Methodist ministry, Loletta was always careful to make it a top priority to reduce the stress and noise that might hinder Carl’s studies and sermon preparation.

Carl pastored churches in Arkansas, Texas, Colorado, Nevada, and California and Loletta performed her duties as a Minister’s wife with grace and charm.

She made every parsonage that the family moved into, the best home they ever had.

Loletta took pride in her home which was always bright with hospitality; her generosity boundless.

She was an immaculate housekeeper and loved entertaining guests.

Her long life was rich with friendships and achievement.

It was instinctive for her to always believe the best of people she knew.

She was a fabulous cook, her creations from the kitchen were well known.

Anyone invited to the Williamson home for dinner always knew they were in for a real treat.

Loletta loved God and brought her children up in the ways of the Lord, teaching them right from wrong, always paying special attention to the individual needs of each one of her children.

She believed that she had the highest calling a woman could ever have, that of a Christian wife, mother, and homemaker.

She gracefully passed through this world, sharing her love and wisdom with each step she took.

Even through the storms of her life and the tragic loss of her son by drowning in 1958, her simple and beautiful testimony never wavered.

This very special lady was affectionately called “Na Naw” by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The memory of her; her personality, her character, and all the countless things she did to make life pleasant for those around her will live on and on.

Though we can no longer hear her voice, clasp her hand or feel her hugs again, remember, while there is sorrow in her passing, this is not a time to be sad, but a time to rejoice in the life shared and that she now sits at the right hand of the Father.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her faithful husband of 67 years, Rev.

Carl A. Williamson, a son, Vencile Lee Williamson, a granddaughter Scarlett (Williamson) Roberts and half siblings: Charles, Estel, Chester, Leon, Ulla, Brice and Tommie.

Loletta leaves behind three children: Charles (and Wendy) Williamson, Ruth Brawn, and Brenda (and Darryl) Shoemaker; five grandchildren: Vencile Lee (and Colleen) Williamson, Monica (and Jim) Gyarfas, J.T.

Gakel, Stacey Kight and Wyatt Williamson; 11 great-grandchildren: Ashlea Roberts, Charles Williamson, Molly Stevens, Randel, John and Christian Gakel, Amy Kight, Michelle (and Keenan) Flanagan, Darren and Hailee Anstine, Devaun Parham, and six great-great-grandchildren: Keila, Arthur, Lucius, Darek, Zane and Ellodie.

Also survived by half siblings: Robert Spurgeon, Maggie Mesny, Marie Lehrer, Judy Weaver, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and their families.

A family only gathering is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, November 24, at Hazen and Jaeger Funeral Home.

Burial will be in the family plot at Sadler, Texas.