(Cora) Carol Williamson, 82, passed away on June 28, 2021 at Living Springs Village Memory Care facility in Waco, TX after a six-year journey with Alzheimer’s disease.
Service Information: A memorial service is to be held Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 1:00 pm at Cockrell Chapel, First Baptist Church in Garland, TX.
Carol was a loving wife to her husband, Billy, a devoted mother and best friend to her daughter, Deborah, and a beloved friend and neighbor. She was a dedicated and celebrated teacher, known for her classroom management, her excellent instruction, and her warm hugs as each of her fourth graders filed out of the classroom at the end of every day.
A native Texan, Carol grew up in Gladewater, Texas where she graduated from Gladewater High School in 1957. She entered North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas) as an Education Major and earned the Bachelor of Science in Education and the Master of Education degrees.
Carol’s teaching career spanned nearly 50 years. She taught fourth grade at Southgate Elementary School in Garland, Texas for 44 of those years; and was named a Finalist in 1983 for the GISD Teacher of the Year award. She was a resident of Garland, Texas from 1965-2016 and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Garland. In 2016 Carol moved to Waco, Texas to be closer to her daughter.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Billy Jack Williamson, her parents, Richard and Carrie Murph, and her two sisters Bettye Cullins and Frankye Mitchell.
Carol is survived by her daughter, Deborah Williamson of Waco, Texas and several nieces, nephews, and cousins, including Kenneth and Jeanie Murph.
Carol’s family requests that, in lieu of flowers, gifts be made to The Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) or to Living Springs Village Memory Care (8601 Old McGregor Road, Waco, TX, 76712) or Bluebonnet Hospice (Bluebonnet Health Services, 307 Londonderry Drive, Waco, TX, 76712).
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I will miss my Aunt’s sweet smile. She carried it with her everywhere! Her gift for teaching, I know, blessed hundreds of children.
Ms. Carol was one of the best teachers I ever had. She was my U.S. History teacher in 1963-64. I was in her room when we heard the news of President John Kennedy being shot in a motorcade in Dallas Texas. Lou Ann Beasley’s Mom called the school to inform us of this tragic event. This was way before the internet. She was a wonderful teacher that inspired me to go an and get my undergraduate degree in Social Studies Composite. Her husband, Billy Jack, was a father figure to me. We were very close up until his passing. I have too many great stories about our relationship to mention. Once at the Trenton tournament he had me sit with him to scout Farmersville’s post player in case we played them. He was Charles Watson (google). We ended up playing Quinlan and we didn’t have to play them. I am so proud to have had Mr and Mrs. Williamson in my life for two years. They were only in their 20’s but were both great teachers and leaders. They will be missed by all who knew them. Larry Whitehead
Deborah so sorry for you loss. Your Mom
and Dad were a Hugh part of my life. They
were wonderful teachers and friends. I
will always remember them with love.
Lou Ann Beazley Meek
Carol and I taught elementary school together at Southgate Elementary in Garland , Texas for many years! We had SO many laughs!! She was a wonderful mentor and friend! RIP Carol✝️
Carol was such a sweet lady. I am so sorry for your loss.
Carol was not only my fourth grade teacher, but she was my best friend’s mother and a second mother to me throughout my grade school, middle school and high school years.
Deborah, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mother was one of the sweetest persons I have ever known. A true southern Belle.
Sending hugs to you, Deborah. I know what a joy you were to your parents and vice versa. Carol was so gifted and a wonderful teacher. Wonderful memories will give you much comfort. Lovingly – Barbara Burton
Deborah, your sweet Mother supported you throughout your life until she was no longer able. It was so beautiful watching you support her during her time of need. Your support and care was unwavering even during Covid isolation. The Mother/Daughter bond was so strong and unconditional. Much love, Donna