Nora Lorene Williamson

Nora Lorene (Lawson) Williamson, 84 years, 51 weeks, passed away Oct. 4, 2020, in Newton, due to lung complications, COPD and congestive heart failure. A memorial service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton. The family will greet friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorials to the Grinnell Church of Christ can be left at the funeral home.

Nora was born Oct. 10, 1935, in Worthington, Mo., to Herby Ray and Minnie (Clay) Lawson. She grew up just 16 miles south of the Iowa and Missouri state line until moving to Davenport at the very young age of 14 to work as a waitress to help support herself and send money back to her parents. She married and settled in Reasnor, living there for 50 years. She gave birth to and raised three sons, Richard, Donald and Jerry (Ferrell).

On Oct. 12, 1971, Nora married John H. Williamson of Albia. John and Nora enjoyed a good life together, both retired after many years of working for the Maytag Corporation. They remained happily married in Reasnor until John’s passing on Dec. 1, 1995. Around 2006, Nora sold her home in Reasnor and moved to Newton where she enjoyed being close to people and the convenience of a larger community and businesses. Throughout her life, Nora enjoyed traveling, seeing country music stars, sightseeing, shopping, visiting and playing card games. Nora was a devout Christian and member of the Church of Christ in Grinnell.

She is survived by two sons, Richard L. Ferrell of Newton and Jerry D. Ferrell (Christy) of Karval, Colo.; five grandchildren, Tracy B. Munger, Cameron, Spencer and Kelsey Ferrell, Chris Stoner and Troy Ferrell. Also included in her extended family are John Williamson’s five surviving children, daughters, Valerie Williamson Durian, Joan Williamson McDonald and sons, Rodney, Brad and James Williamson; along with many loved grandchildren on their side. Nora was preceded in death by her parents, Herby and Minnie; her best friend and husband, John H. Williamson; her middle son, Donald Wayne Ferrell; and one brother, Roscoe Lawson.

A loving mother to family and friends, she will be missed by us all.

Nora will be buried alongside her husband, John Williamson, in Newton Memorial Park Cemetery.