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Ann Duke Williamson of Rocky Mount passed away peacefully on July 26, 2015, surrounded by loved ones. She was born January 23, 1930 at Park View Hospital in Rocky Mount to Edwin Ferebee Duke and Elizabeth Gerald Duke. Ann was preceded in death by her parents and her son William (“Bill”) Gerald Williamson. She is survived by her son Edwin Ferebee Williamson (Mary) and daughter Ann Herminjard Davis (Ricky), all of Rocky Mount; grandchildren Elizabeth Heimbach (Dave) of Denver, Colorado; Claire Herminjard of Point Reyes Station, California; Barrett Williamson of Pensacola, Florida; niece Edwina Dowdy Woodbury (Dennis McGill) of Chapel Hill; nephew John Horton Dowdy (Lil) of Wendell; numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews; and her beloved Shih-Tzu, Louis Soleil.
Ann grew up in Rocky Mount where the family belonged to the First Baptist Church. She graduated from Rocky Mount High School in 1948 and studied Fine Arts at UNCG, before marrying the late George Wimberley Wilkinson, Jr., also of Rocky Mount. In 1961, Ann married T. P. Williamson, Jr. She earned a BA degree in French from North Carolina Wesleyan College, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1969. Ann taught for one year at Northern Nash High School as an interim Special Education teacher. The next year she began teaching French at Rocky Mount Senior High, where she remained until her retirement in June, 1995. She formed life long relationships with many of her students.
During her teaching career, Ann served in many different capacities. Her most enduring educational experiences were the thirteen summers she spent as a leader in the American Field Study Program. During these years, she traveled the state of North Carolina in the evenings to conduct programs about study abroad and helped many of our state’s teachers plan their first trips with students. Ann believed strongly in the educational power of travel, and she led many students to places where their horizons were forever broadened. She took students to the bullfights in Madrid, to the Moulin Rouge in Paris, and to the open air opera in Rome. She loved witnessing the growth in her students as much as she enjoyed the shared experiences. For several summers, Ann directed a study program in Paris, managing groups of foreign exchange students and their teachers. She formed deep and lasting friendships with other educators, most notably the late Dr. Sarah Smith of Greensboro and the late Brother Harold Andrew of North Dakota. She also won over the hearts of many in the Basque town of Saint Jean de Luz, where she took her students to learn. A key moment in her life was the ceremony there where they named her honorary citizen and presented her with the key to the city. To Ann, there was no greater calling than teaching.
Ann also served in various capacities in many different organizations, including Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. She was extremely passionate as well about the support of her local and state library and dedicated many hours of volunteer work as an officer and member of the Friends of Braswell Memorial Library. Following the devastation of the flood of 1999, Ann worked tirelessly with several friends to collect stories from locals about their experiences. These ladies spent hours traveling back roads to record and transcribe the stories that they gathered. The result of their work was Flooded: Reflections of Hurricane Floyd (2004).
Ann was a Christian with a profound personal relationship with God and never hesitated to share with others how her faith sustained her. Passionate about many things, Ann valued relationships above all things. Nothing was ever more important than her loved ones: family, friends, and pets. She met everyone with an open heart, and she always found the good in everyone she met. Most who met or knew her were touched by her warmth, her smile, and her optimism. She served as an inspiration to many who were fighting their own battles. She will be cherished by all whose lives were enriched by the gift of knowing her. If they listen, they will hear, “five million little bells” (Le Petit Prince) that have been added to the night sky.
The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation for the outstanding care provided during the course of the last five years to Dr. Jenee Bowman of Rocky Mount, to Dr. Francisco Castillos of Wake Forest, and more recently, to the Nash UNC Healthcare doctors and staff.
A private gathering to celebrate Ann's life will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers or donations, Ann would want you to do something unexpectedly generous for a family member or a friend. And if none of those are around at the moment, she would tell you to befriend the next person you meet and if you listen, you will surely discover something you can do to bring a smile.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
October 19, 2015
George Lindsey
Sending the most sincere condolences to Ann Williamsons' family. I was at the Bullfights in Madrid, the Moulin Rouge, St Jean de Luz and French class with Mrs. Williamson. She showed me international adventure, taught me French and made me a better person.
August 11, 2015
Tom Dickens
Ann & Edwin, I loved your mother so much, and I know that she loved you so much. She was such a friend and inspiration to me. She secretly recommended me for my first job, I later learned. I shall look forward to seeing her in Heaven. Tom Dickens, RMSH '73
August 9, 2015
Bruce Hatfield
I was blessed to know Ann and her family. All were good and kind to me in friendship. I will always have good thoughts. The Lord gives you comfort and peace!
August 8, 2015
Teresa and Frank Love
To Ann and Ricky: Frank and I send our Condolences to you and your family. I'm so sorry to hear of the Loss of your Mother. She had to be a Great Lady to have such a Wonderful Daughter. You and your Family are in Our Prayers. Love ya'll a lot, Teresa Love
August 7, 2015
Tobey Worthington
I am a better person than I was before I came to know Ann Williamson. She showed me hope and resolution like no other person in my life. Even though she went through so much heartache in her life, she continued to hope and smile every day. God Bless her family, who I know will miss her so much. Mu Chapter of DKG will definitely miss her.
August 3, 2015
Lisa Ballance
I was blessed to have been a neighbor of this wonderful woman for many years. We fondly referred to her as "Miss Ann". She was an amazing neighbor and person. Calvin, Kelsey and I bonded with her the very first time we met her. She loved Kelsey, and would ask about her often. She even took the time to send a newspaper clipping to the family when Calvin was promoted at Cummins...such a thoughtful and kind soul she was. Miss Ann will certainly be missed by the Ballances.
July 31, 2015
I saw at one '48 class reunion over 40 years ago. She was an outstanding beauty in '48 class. She will be missed.
Charles O'Brien
July 31, 2015
Ann Davis
Mille mercis to all those who loved Mom and are sharing special memories of her here... It is wonderful and healing to feel the love...
July 31, 2015
I remember Ms. Williamson with joy-I can still sing the French National Anthem!-and gratitude. I learned another language and an appreciation for another culture in her class. To her family, I am so sorry for your great loss. God bless you and comfort you now and always. Terri Gohn, class of 1976.
July 30, 2015
Leo Carmody
Au revoir, Madame Williamson ... une professeure, une artiste, et une belle âme.
July 30, 2015
Lucy Pate/Class of 1980
I am praying for your family at this time. I had Mrs. Williamson at RMSH for french and loved her.
July 30, 2015
Ann and I became friends during our yrs. @ North Carolina Wesleyan College. She provided an open home and heart during our yrs. as students there. We shared many trips to (as she called it) "Aunt Betty's Cookie store". Besides, Ann's Mom, Mrs. Elizabeth Duke, was "Housemother" for the infamous Nash dorm. We shared some really great times together and discussed our thoughts, hopes and dreams. Polly Moore..... Durham , NC
July 30, 2015
Nancy Jones
Ann Williamson was my great conspirator, travel advisor, and raconteur . When Dave and I were moving to Carol Woods in Chapel Hill, Ann prepared the way with hilarious stories of her sis ter Gerald, and the buggy collision. I loved Ann's stubborn, triumphant spirit, and hope the angels are ready to join in her laughter..
July 29, 2015
I loved Mrs. Williamson. She was my French teacher at RMSH and without question one of my favorite teachers there. My regards to the family.
Eric Wordsworth/ RMSH 1976
July 29, 2015
Mme. Williamson was such a wonderful teacher, mentor, and friend. Her enthusiasm for French language and culture opened our eyes to the larger world. My deepest sympathy to her family. She will be greatly missed. Merci mille fois, Madame.
Susan Mooring
July 29, 2015
Susan Sullivan Bova
Mrs. Williamson was a wonderful teacher and a great lady! She led my first trip to Europe and ignited a love of travel. My condolences to her family. She was such a treasure and she will be greatly missed.
July 28, 2015
Gary & Anne Hine
KUIA:
You were truly treasured by us all. The warmth in which you embraced us and welcomed us into your family will never be forgotten.
We will forever be
Your Kiwis
July 28, 2015
Melton M. Caison, Jr.
On behalf of the staff at Johnson Funerals and Cremations, I extend our sincere condolences to the Ann Duke Williamson family.
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