Jo Ann Williamson

Jo Ann Williamson of Jacksonville, Arkansas went to be with her Lord on March 30, 2015. She passed away peacefully at her home with family and friends surrounding her, after a long battle with cancer. Jo Ann Fielding was born in Little Rock, Arkansas to E. W. (Wells) and Beatrice (Bea) Fielding. She spent her childhood in North Little Rock, Arkansas. After graduating from North Little Rock High School in 1959, she attended Ouachita Baptist University until the spring semester of 1961. The fall of 1961, she attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. During this time she joined Zeta Tau Alpha International Women's Fraternity. She married Joe Williamson and returned to Arkadelphia to graduate from OBU in 1963, with her Bachelor of Science Degree. In 1978, she received a Masters of Education Degree from the University of Arkansas. Jo Ann came from a family of educators. She taught school for 33 years, 30 years were in the Pulaski County Special School District. She began at Jacksonville Jr. High School where she taught science and she was the sponsor of The Demonettes. She taught Home Economics at Mills High School and then at Jacksonville Southside Jr. High from the early 1970's until her retirement in 1999. Jo Ann enjoyed sewing, knitting and cooking. Most people remember her cinnamon candy the best. She was an avid collector of Santa Claus figurines. Friends and family have added to her collection throughout the years. She was active in the lives of her children, and then "Nana" became an active supporter of her grandchildren's lives. She was an avid Razorback fan! Whether the Hogs were on TV or on the radio, you would find her there with her large diet coke, with lemon yelling "Woo Pig Sooie!" and calling the Hogs! Jo Ann was a long time member of Jacksonville First United Methodist Church where she was a member of the Pairs and Spares Sunday School Class and the Prayer Shawl Ministry. She was a member of Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) beginning in 2000. JoAnn was also active in Delta Kappa Gamma, a teachers' society. She served as state president from 2005-2007. During her membership she served as president of her local chapter, as well as on many committees, locally, nationally and internationally. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. JoAnn was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joe H. Williamson, her parents, E. W. (Wells) and Beatrice (Bea) Fielding, her younger sister, Wellena Mae Fielding, her in-laws, James S. (Joe) and Alice Williamson, her sisters-in-law, Anna Rago and Susan Williamson and a brother in-law, Neill Williamson. JoAnn is survived by her son, Greg Williamson and wife, Andrea and their children, Sydney, Eli and Malachi and a daughter, Kelli Griffin and husband, Lonnie and their children, Allyson Griffin Holland and her husband, Jake and twin daughters, Grier McKenzie and Grace Marie and a son, Nathan Griffin. Her older sister, Marguerite Fielding Zimmerman, and her husband Leland and their four sons, Dee, Lee, Tim and Roy. Her younger sister, Paula Fielding Armstrong and her husband Ronnie and their children, Lena, Kim and Drue. Her brother in law, Jim Williamson and his wife Aylma and niece, Holly Williamson, nephew, Dean Williamson and wife, Jamie and their daughter Kadie, a niece, Susan Bryant and her sons, James, Christopher and Michael, a niece, Kristin Gibson, along with many other nieces, nephews and cousins. In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to the Delta Kappa Gamma Education Foundation or the Jo Ann Williamson Scholarship for Education of the Stuck fund through First United Methodist Church Jacksonville, Ark. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday, April 2, 2015 at Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, April 3, 2015 at First United Methodist Church in Jacksonville with Rev. Brad Moore officiating. Entombment will follow in Rest Hills Memorial Park. Arrangements by Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home (501) 982-2136. Sign online guestbook at www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.