Miriam Wilson Weems died Saturday, August 20, 2011, leaving behind a large and adoring following of dogs, cats and wine lovers.
She was the wife of Tommy Weems and the mother of Sam D. Knowlton III, of Oxford and Richard Baxter Wilson Knowlton of Little Rock, Arkansas and the step-mother of Kelly Weems Wollfarth of Mandeville, LA, Davis Weems Mitchell of Atlanta, GA and Caroline Weems Rushing of Aspen, CO.
Miriam was an artist of note. Her paintings reflect her happy spirit and love of color – the brighter and more vivid the better! She was the featured artist for many organizations and her paintings are prized by all who own them. She provided the art for the Christmas Cards of Senator Thad Cochran on several occasions as well Chancellor Robert Khayat of Ole Miss. She was the featured artist for Art for Heart and in 2001, she was selected to provide the poster for Julilee Jam. A collection of her works was published in the book Mostly Mississippi.
She came into painting quite by accident: she was working toward a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Ole Miss to help her in her love of interior decorating and was required to take some painting courses. Instead of her taking the course, the course took her! Her first exhibition for her degree was "Hometown Hangouts" and featured the local bars and so forth in Oxford. Her teachers said there had never been an exhibit so well attended nor so completely sold out! Later she was presented in an exhibit by the University Museums under the instigation of Chancellor Khayat.
Miriam was born in Greenwood on November 24, 1941. Her parents were the late R. Baxter Wilson and the late Katherine Owen Wilson. She attended the Jackson Public Schools and was graduated from Murrah High School in 1959. After a year at Agnes Scott College, she transferred to the University of Mississippi where she was graduated in 1963. At Ole Miss, she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority, a campus favorite, Commander of Angel Flight, President of Mortar Board and Vice President of the Associated Women Students among many other honors.
In 1971, she was diagnosed with diabetes which she had lived with for 40 years. In 2004, she was the special honoree at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Celebrity Monopoly Gala which raised $117,000. She was a founding board member of the state chapter of the JDRF.
In Jackson, she was Queen of the Junior League Carnival Ball in 1963 and in 2004 was named Sustainer of the Year by the Junior League. She worked tirelessly for the Animal Rescue League in Jackson and had founded the Oxford Animal Rescue League. She was also the recipient of the Goodwill Industries Volunteer Services Award. She served on the New Stage Board (chairing benefits and art shows), the Friends of the Library Board (again chairing benefits), the Laurel Park Committee, and the Board of the Jackson Ole Miss Alumni Association. She was also an enthusiastic member of the Belhaven House & Garden Club as well as The Monday Club.
Miriam was one of the great characters of Jackson. The front porch of the home where she and Tommy lived was a famous gathering spot where great stories (as well as some lies) were freely swapped. She brought a beam of light into every crowd. A friend said to her brother: "She was the most cheerful person I knew – much more cheerful than you!" One of her favorite activities was to go to the Mayflower, sit in the front booth, and – between bites – greet everyone who came or went! And they all knew her! She was a communicant at St. Andrew's Cathedral where she served as a greeter – and there should be no surprise in that!
She adopted many fortunate dogs and – no doubt to the horror of her late mother (if she had known of it) cats, too! And she helped to place many more.
In addition to her husband and children, she is survived by her brother, Richard B Wilson, Jr, and his wife, Lester Senter Wilson, of Jackson, her sister-in-law, Betty Clarkson, also of Jackson and her brother-in-law, Bob Weems of Oxford.
This is a quote from Miriam's wishes: "In lieu of flowers, please adopt an unwanted pet from a local shelter." Additionally, the family requests that also in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Mississippi Animal Rescue League, the Oxford Lafayette Humane Society, ARF (Animal Rescue Fund of Mississippi), CARA (Community Animal Rescue Association) or to a favorite charity.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home. The funeral will take place at the Cathedral Parish of Saint Andrew which is located at 305 East Capitol Street in Jackson. The service will begin at 11:00 am with visitation preceding it in the Parish Hall at 9:30 on Tuesday, August 23, 2011.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
September 7, 2011
Miriam was such a bright, beautiful woman. She will be missed by so many in the Art community. Peace to you and your family, Baxter.
Cliff and Tanya Speaks
September 6, 2011
Penny Bennett Frazer
How shocked and sad I was to hear of Miriam's passing! What joy she spread to me those years ago when Harry and I visited at Dick's and her parents home for a party during my Ole Miss days and later when we briefly lived in the capital city! Her joy and love of people and of life were contagious and I'll think often of her quick smile - just like the one pictured. Dear family and friends you certainly have my deepest sympathy on the passing of a wonderful, enchanting, talented lady.
August 25, 2011
Ann Marsh
Miriam painted the happy times of our children's engagements. These canvases bring smiles to many people everyday. She did this for countless families. It is an amazing legacy.
August 25, 2011
Alice Roberts
I am so sorry to hear of Miriam's passing. Being friends with her brother and sister-in-law, I had the opportunity to meet Miriam at her home several years ago when she did a painting for the Wideman Piano Competition. She gave my granddaughter an original painting she had done of a girl at the piano. She made us both feel so special. My sympathies to all her family.
August 25, 2011
Ed Schlegel
Tommy... It's been many years since seeing Miriam's smiling face in the halls of Murrah, and I'm saddened by your loss.
August 24, 2011
Carl van Coppenhagen
"Tommy, Sam and Baxter - I think my brother Ludwig said it best when he heard the sad news all the way back in South Africa - Peachtree Street, Belhaven, Jackson and Mississippi will never be the same again.... While at Belhaven College and all the years thereafter, I would fondly tell all my friends about my "American Mom" and what she and you meant (and still mean) to me here in the US. On behalf of the entire van Coppenhagen family, please accept my condolences.
Carl van Coppenhagen
August 24, 2011
Tommy, Alice and I were so sorry to hear that Miriam had gone to the Lord. She always made us feel so special and important to her. When we read the other notes here we found that she made everyone feel that way. What a delightful gift and we will all miss her so.
In greatest sympathy, Hugh and Alice Stevens.
August 23, 2011
Mike Valle
Sam and Baxter - I am sorry to learn about the loss of your mother. I admired and respected your mom and still have many fond memories of our time as next door neighbors during our youth in Oxford. On behalf of my parents and Jonathan, please accept my deepest sympathies.
August 23, 2011
dee osborne
What a fine lady;she will be missed
August 23, 2011
Buddy and Luran Buchanan
Dear Tommy,
We were extremely saddened by the passing of your beautiful and talented wife. The very pleasant redundancy in all these messages means that all lives whom Miriam touched were/are all the better for it.
We also know that your and Miriam's love for the abused, neglected, homeless and rescued animals was inspirtional to those of who are like-minded. We'd wager that Miriam and Mr. Spengler are together gathering their eternal rewards...surrounded by yapping, grateful puppies.
How did she ever find the time to PAINT?
Our best to you as you heal from this monumental loss.
With fond memories,
Buddy and Luran Buchanan
Jackson, MS
August 23, 2011
Ann McQueen
Miriam was and always will be such a close part of our family. She was a very dear caring & supportive friend to "all" my parents (Kay, Sibyl & my dad Jim )
I will miss the service but I am thinking of everyone who love & miss her. I will cherish all my fond/fun memories.
August 23, 2011
Rachel Byrd
Tom -
This is Rachel Byrd.
I am so sorry to here about Miriam, and still do not know exactly what happened.
She always put a smile on my face, and, I wish I had known her better....Of course, tell Baxter that I say 'Hi' and I am sorry as well.
As a side note, it is still the same old Rachel that ya used to say 'hi' to when I first moved home from college. ..I myself, as you know, lost Dad, and then other things have happened fueling a deep depression. All of this is to say that I know 'the neighbor's' have not known exactly how to approach me at this point...
Just know that I have cared unconditionally for everyone else this whole time, and just gave up on myself. Things are much better, and I am running again in the mornings, so hopefully we can speak then.
So, I am here for you. I love ya, and I would love to stop by for tea sometime if you would like...I love Mr. McCumber, you and the Keilors, Tucker, and all. All is well from 1030 Euclid.
I thought I would go ahead extend my apologies along with my condolances.
With Love,
Rachel Lea Byrd
August 23, 2011
sarah nelson
August 23, 2011
Joe and Diane Robinson
Tommy,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Miriam's death. She was such a bright and positive presence in our lives and the lives of all who knew her. She will be lovingly remembered for her artistic talent, fabulous hats, care and love of animals, and love and joy she provided to friends and family. She will truly be missed by everyone who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Much love,
August 23, 2011
Cecil Smith
Tommy......Miriam brightened the lives of everyone she met. She will be missed. God bless you and your family.
August 23, 2011
Winn Murphey
Tommy, Miriam was always one of the greeters at our Murrah reunions. Her smile and "Hi there" made everyone anxious to renew acquaintances. I'm sorry I won't see her there again. God bless, Winn Murphey
August 23, 2011
Jeremiah Hammond
Tommy,
I am so sorry to hear of your great loss. I pray that the Lord comfort you and grant you peace during this difficult time.
August 23, 2011
Sigrid Long
Small Stature, Huge Personality! Every time I was around Miriam both as a child and as an adult, she had the amazing gift of making you the center of her world for those few minutes of interaction. You knew she was all yours and that made you feel special. Thank you Weems/Wilsons/Knowltons for sharing your wife, your sister, your mother, with me. I wish you all peace and comfort in the days ahead.
August 22, 2011
Cheser & Julia Sims
Dear Tommy, Dick & Lester
Julia and I send our heartfelt sympathies. Our Prayers are with you.
August 22, 2011
BJ Alston
Dick, I will keep you in my thoughts and prays.
August 22, 2011
Jay Wiener
Miriam will be remembered favorably and fondly, by everybody who knew her. She had a kind heart and a keen interest in everyone. I will miss her extraordinary engagement in the people and the world around her.
August 22, 2011
Sally Spencer
I will always remember Miriam for her fun-loving playful yard art that brightened any garden. Miriam was always full of happiness and life. These qualities and more that really made up Miriam will never slip away.
She will be missed.
Sally Spencer Dalgarno, Port Townsend, WA; formerly from Jackson, MS
August 22, 2011
William Causey, MD
I am there, in prayer and in spirit.
August 22, 2011
Sandra Burns
Miriam and Tommy were radiant at the MARL book signing, recently. An intimate conversation with her during a lull is now my delicious memory. She asked, "May I sign yours, 'to a dear, dear friend?'", and I welled up with tears. She laughed that marvelous laugh. (Dick, please tell me I punctuated that correctly.)
August 22, 2011
I will miss seeing her in the mornings walking her dogs and always smiling and giving me a wave. She was a dear neighbor.
Montell Watkins
August 22, 2011
Jerry Farris
Tommy, my heart goes out to you & your family. Miriam was one in a Trillion.
I have you in my prayers.
Jerry Farris
August 22, 2011
Frances Coleman
Tom and I were very sorry to hear of Miriam's death. She had the ability to make each person she saw feel important. On the occasions we saw her on our trips to Jackson, she always brightened the day. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
August 22, 2011
Sandy and Vaughn Grisham
I can just hear Miriam now as she entered the Pearly Gates: "Ye---a!" With her there the sun will shine a little brighter, as will the stars....She greeted everyone with the warm confidence and love that we all wish we had. I thank Heavens we were in her space for a few years.
August 22, 2011
Dear Mr. Weems,
Our office was sadden to hear of your great loss. Our prayers are with you and your family. God Bless You!!!!!!!!!!! -------Dr. Gregory Duke, Sr. and Staff
August 22, 2011
Hugo & Susan Newcomb
Tommy, Dick and all...
Susan and I were stunned and saddened by the news of Miriam's passing. She was a light to all the people she met, and was always especially gracious and kind to all of us. We we dearly will miss her bright smile and welcoming heart.
God bless you all in this difficult time.
Hugo & Susan Newcomb
Oxford, MS
August 22, 2011
Susan & Howard Jones
Hey Tommy, Dick, Lester and all you, now grown up, kids, We love you! Susan and Howard Jones
August 21, 2011
Bette Shornick
I share the heartfelt sympathies, thoughts and prayers by so many about Miriam and for your family! Some people take the best life has to offer. Miriam Weems gave life her best!
It's my joy everyday to gaze upon one of her colorful expressions in art in my home from a JDRF fundraiser some years ago. I've always cherished it, as I will her memory as a blessing!
August 21, 2011
Susan Young
Dear Tommy, Dick, & Lester-
I am so very sorry that such a enchanting & charming elfin will no longer grace our lives-She spread color & light & laughter in an otherwise drab world- She will be greatly missed.
August 21, 2011
Miriam, I can't believe you have left us but it is a far brighter world for having you in it. Now we just have to figure out life without Miriam. With great love and admiration. Lynn Yarbrough Haspel, Carriere Ms.
August 21, 2011
Dick and Tommy,
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this time of sorrow
Miriam,indeed, was a lovely, charming individual with a radiant smile for all. She shall be missed greatly. Much love, Mariah Powers Bordelon-Cordova, TN.
August 21, 2011
Toddy and June Burnham
Dear Tommy, We are so very sad to learn about sweet Miriam. She was truly an "original" and will be missed by many. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
August 21, 2011
Claudia Morris
We at the Mayflower will miss seeing Mrs. Weems. She was indeed a bright ray of sunshine, and we looked forward to seeing her and whatever entourage she had with her.
Claudia Morris
August 21, 2011
Dick, Lester and family,
I am sorry to hear about Miriam's death and you loss. I didn't know Miriam personally but I can tell you that she had the best Catfish of all of them! Full of personality and character! I send you my love and will be with you in spirit! Melora Love New York, New York
August 21, 2011
Donna Barksdale
Having any encounter with Miriam was like being gathered up in a warm embrace. Her joyful spirit was so contagious that when you left her, you actually felt better about yourself and the world. She was a bright soul full of light and happiness. She made us all feel that we were her special friend.
Our neighborhood of Belhaven, the Mayflower on Friday night, Ole Miss events, restaurants and parties in Jackson, art openings....every part of our life in Jackson will be diminished by her absence. She leaves a hole in all of our hearts.
August 21, 2011
Linda (Powers) Huff
I am so sorry to hear about Miriam. We haven't talked in a while, but I loved her and respected her very much.
August 21, 2011
Lecia Spriggs
Tommy,
I am going to steal from an entry from Ms. Linda Sprago, (Linda, I do not know you at all, so I hope you will forgive my plagiarism)... I have a more complete remembrance - which I will send to you- ,but when I saw these words : "... you will find in the days to come that everyone had such a special relationship with Miriam because she made each person feel important. "--wow..I feel that Ms. Linda S. has encapsulated a very important aspect of Miriam, which magnifies her many talents.
From my first moments of meeting Miriam, I have admired and been captivated by her, as so many others have...and I know that I will continue to be positively influenced by her for the remainder of my life as well.
Most sincerely,
Lecia S.
August 21, 2011
Colleen Lipscomb
Dear Tommy, Dick, and family,
May the Lord Himself surround you with His loving arms. The mysteries of His grace abound for all who love Him.
Miriam will leave a huge hole in Jackson and in your lives. I pray the peace that passes all understanding will fill that space.
Because of His love and mercy,
August 21, 2011
Keith Cooper
SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. SHE WAS A LOVELY LADY FULL OF LIFE THAT ALL LOVED TO BE AROUND. OUR LOSS AND HEAVEN'S GAIN.
August 21, 2011
The Staff of Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
August 21, 2011
Bill Lane
Tommy, My heart goes out to you, what a tradegy, Miriam was a little angel and will be greatly missed.
August 21, 2011
franklin aldridge
I was at Ole Ms With Miriam and she was a nice and beautiful lady and we all will miss her. I know Tommy, Her husband as well and this is great lost.She is in heaven now with God and Jesus.
Franklin Aldridge
August 21, 2011
Tommy, in 1979 after 20 years absence from Jackson I was in the old Jitney across from Duling when a female voice rang out "Bobby, where have you been?" Miriam was a wonderful person. God bless, Bobby Rogers St. Pete Bch, FL
August 21, 2011
Marilyn Trainor Storey
Miriam was a beautiful and colorful woman who created beautiful and colorful art. I first met her while working on the St. Andrew's Designer Showhouse, which she generously supported for years. Miriam will be missed in so many ways. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
August 21, 2011
Linda Spargo
Tommy, Baxter, and Sam---you will find in the days to come that everyone had such a special relationship with Miriam because she made each person feel important. I am one of those! Miriam was Light and Good Will and Cheer and Talent. Even though I didn't see her much, I thought of her as one of my friends and cheerleaders in life. We will miss her. Please know she was truly loved by me and Hattie. You are in our prayers. Linda Spargo and Hattie Alton Steiner
August 21, 2011
Paul Higdon
Tommy, it is with great sadness I send my condolences to you and your family. Miriam was the sunshine of everyone's day. I grieve with you in this tragic loss of a truly beautiful person.
August 21, 2011
Cousin Miriam was a wonderful person. She will certainly be missed by many. Craig Forshner (Lakewood, CO)
August 21, 2011
Tommy Jolly
Sorry to hear about your wife.
August 21, 2011
Lucy Denton
My family is saddened by Miriam's passing. She was such a ray of sunshine and joy. I will cherish my painting every day and it will always bring Miriam to my mind. Thinking if you all.
Lucy Denton
August 21, 2011
Patty Causey
Tommy, I am heartbroken to hear of Miriam's death, and cannot begin to imagine the pain you and Baxter and Sam and Dick and all your family are going through. Miriam touched so many lives for good. Her joie de vivre was contagious, her generosity of spirit unlimited. I will always treasure having known her and will hold her memory close. My love and prayers to all of you.
August 21, 2011
Tommy and family--It is always sad to receive news of this type. Our thoughts and prayers will remember you and Miriam.
Deepest regards,
Ben & Carol Burnham
August 21, 2011
Ross Dodds
Dick and Tommy....I share the loss of this lovely lady. I have many fond memories of her during our years at Murrah.
August 21, 2011
Miriam brought sunshine to our souls! She was a dear friend to so many. Love to Dick, Tommy, Sam and Baxter,
Carolyn Clayton Pegram
August 21, 2011
Tommy and family--We grieve with you in your loss. Miriam was a vibrant and caring person, whom we will all remember with joy. Know we pray for you, both now and in the coming days. God bless, Veva and Bob Gilfoy
August 21, 2011
Nancy Gilbert
Tommy, Sam, Baxter, Dick and Lester: Spencer and I send our love and deep sympathy. Miriam was a great gift to our world, bringing caring, color and cheer to all she knew. We are in Normandy and will miss the services. However, please know that we are with you in spirit.
August 21, 2011
Will Allen
Weems' ,
Partly bc of your friendship with my parents and ur always eventful visits, your work with
MARL inspired me to work for the local shelter here in Dallas tx. On the day you left us we took in two pups whose mom was dying by emergency c- section. Tina and I have looked for a good name for the little girl. Tonight, handfeeding her I thought of you and the shock of the loss. I have no money to donate as you wish... But I have a little miracle puppy much like the sort you'd save yourself. I think it only right since she entered our life to rescue and place in a home the same time you left us to go HOME, this little gal barely 8 ounces but full of life will carry your name into the world of animal rescue to which you gave much of your life. We will miss you. I'll tell little Miriam about her namesake tonight as I give her the bottle. I haven't much to give, but this gal with your name will bless a family's life here for years to come, just as u would do had you not carried your joy to Glory's Side.
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