Submitted by Emily O'Neal
Rome News Tribune May 11, 1909
Mrs. Williamson Called By Death
After a lingering illness Mrs. Ben Williamson died Sunday at her home in the
fourth ward. The funeral took place from the Fifth Avenue Baptist Church. The
following from a life long friend of the deceased gives further particulars of Mrs.
Williamson's death, which is mourned by hundreds of friends:
On July 18, 1863, Janie R. O'Bryan was born in Floyd County, Georgia, and on
January 3, 1884, she married Benjamin L. Williamson, of Floyd county, with whom she
lived until her death, which happened on May 9, 1909, as a tender, loving and
affectionate wife. To this union there was born eleven children. Six of them are
still living to mourn her loss, viz: Fannie Etne, Clyde, Lillian Beatrice, Grace
Mattalene, Mamie Louise and Julius Clinton. Five boys who preceded their mother in
death are all buried at Armuchee church burying grounds in this county.
Besides her husband and childen, she leaves two brothers; J. D. O'Bryan, of
Cedartown, I. T. O'Bryan of Rome, and sisters, Mrs. Ellen Fuller of Calhoun, Mrs.
Mollie Grace, of Anniston, Ala., and Mrs. Etna Buffington, of Rome, who were present
when her soul took it's flight to the home beyond. Mrs. Williamson joined the
Baptist church when she was 15 years of age and has been a consistent member since;
at the time of her death her membership was with the Fifth Avenue Baptist Church, at
which church her funeral was preached by the Rev. Mr. Willingham. The following
friends to the family acted as pallbearers:J.W. Copeland, G.W. Rosson, F.S. Barron,
Hugh McCrary, D.O. Byars and W. H. Chapman; her remains were carried to the Armuchee
church burying grounds, and laid beside the graves of her departed boys; many of her
kinspeople and friends accompanied them to their last resting place.
A kind, loving mother, wife and friend has gone, but she leaves behind her a life
that was admirable and will be long remembered by those with whom she came in
contact. The husband has lost the best friend on earth, the children a mother that
cannot be replaced and the church community a member and friend that will be
greatly missed. Truly a good woman has gone. Her going, however, is only earthly
loss! It is unquestionably her eternal gain.