Phyllis Williamson

Phyllis F. Williamson, 84, of Emerson, died on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at the Methodist Hospital in Omaha, NE. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 10, 2018 at the Loess Hills Funeral Home in Malvern, IA. Burial will be in the Wesley Chapel Cemetery, rural Hastings, IA. Visitation will be on Sunday, September 9, 2018 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials: A memorial fund has been established

Phyllis Fayrene (Bownes) Williamson was born in rural Fremont County, Iowa on February 7, 1934, to Viles Lynn and Irmel Leona (Bell) Bownes. She had two younger sisters, Joycelyn and Sharron. Phyllis began her education in a one room schoolhouse in Thurman, Iowa and graduated from the Tabor High School in 1951.

Phyllis married John Francis "Jack" Williamson on August 10, 1951 in Des Moines, Iowa. They settled on a farm near Imogene, Iowa, following Jack's service during the Korean War, in 1953. Their marriage was blessed with three children James, Linda, and Steven. In 1960, the family moved to a farm north of Malvern, Iowa, where their children attended school. During this time Phyllis was active in the St. John's Lutheran Church, rural Hastings and Ladies Aid.

Phyllis enjoyed taking care of her family, gardening, was a fabulous cook and baker, and loved visiting with her family and friends. Her family's favorite recipe for Hawaiian Ham Balls was selected to be published in the Pfaltzgraff Collector's Cookbook in 1990. Phyllis was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and a good friend to all who knew her.

Phyllis, Jack, and their sons later moved to a small acreage near Emerson, Iowa. She and Jack were married 52 years when Jack died on October 19, 2003 in Red Oak, Iowa.

Phyllis passed away on September 6, 2018 at the Nebraska Methodist Hospital in Omaha, at the age of 84 years, 6 months, and 29 days. In addition to her beloved husband Jack, she was preceded in death by her parents; sister Joy Keeran, and brothers-in-law, Wilbur McClarnon, Bob Olenius, and Rodney Graham.

Phyllis is survived by her children, Jim Williamson of Emerson, Linda McGrew and her husband Bill of Emerson, and Steve Williamson of Emerson; granddaughter, Melissa Escritt and her husband Mervin of Council Bluffs, IA; grandson, Billy McGrew of Emerson; sister Sharron Graham of Shambaugh, IA; brother-in-law Jim Keeran and his wife Hilda of Palm Desert, CA; sister-in-law Barbara Olenius of Clarinda, IA; nieces and nephews; extended family; and many friends.