Obituary for Reverend M. Louise Williamson
On Monday morning February 8, 2021 Reverend M. Louise Williamson was called home.
She was born December 31,1933 in Tallassee Alabama to the late Dester Moore and Mattie
Lou Johnson.
Louise attended public schools in Tallassee, in 1953 she graduated from RR Moton Tallassee
Colored High School. Following graduation, she made the decision to leave Alabama and move
north, first to Harlem New York City and then to Pittsfield. In the early years she worked at
Pittsfield Dry Cleaners, also doing laundry and pressing out of the home. She eventually became the Dietician at Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) and held that position for
many years, receiving numerous awards for her work there. Louise loved to cook and her fried
chicken was always a hit with everyone especially her grandchildren and her sweet potato pies
were loved by many
Louise was active in the community and had a longtime relationship with the Christian Center,
the oldest social service organization in Berkshire County. She was a Civil Rights Advocate,
pictured in The Berkshire Eagle (March 1965) marching around Park Square for voter’s rights,
Louise was a Founding Member of "Women of Color Circle" Group for Minority Women in
Berkshire County and involved with the Willing Workers organization
She was active in politics and received commendation from then Massachusetts Gov. Deval
Patrick; mom loved watching MSNBC and engaging in political discourse
Reverend Williamson was an active member in the AME Zion Church
• District Officer, Woman’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society, AME Zion Church for
over 30 years
• Price Memorial AME Zion Church Choir member
• Consecrated Deaconess in 1976 until passing
• Local preacher/pastor’s associate under Rev Willard Durant
• Ordained Elder (Minister) 2010, retired in 2017
• Pastor, Clinton AME Zion Church 2010 - 2011 - 2017
In addition to her parents, her husband James I.Williamson and siblings Horace Moore, Lizzie
Mae Plessy, Robert Moore, Mamie Roberts and Jesse Moore and grandson Jared Benham
preceded her in death
She leaves to celebrate her life, James L Moore (Kathleen); Kevin Williamson (Delma); Kerry
Williamson (Rebecca); Scott Williamson (Alice); Joy Foster (Thomas) and Shelby Williamson
(Heather) as well as 15 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held, FRIDAY, March 5, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at DERY FUNERAL HOME, 54 Bradford St, Pittsfield. A private service will be held for the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to Price Memorial AME Zion Church or to the Christian Center in care of the funeral home.
She was born December 31,1933 in Tallassee Alabama to the late Dester Moore and Mattie
Lou Johnson.
Louise attended public schools in Tallassee, in 1953 she graduated from RR Moton Tallassee
Colored High School. Following graduation, she made the decision to leave Alabama and move
north, first to Harlem New York City and then to Pittsfield. In the early years she worked at
Pittsfield Dry Cleaners, also doing laundry and pressing out of the home. She eventually became the Dietician at Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) and held that position for
many years, receiving numerous awards for her work there. Louise loved to cook and her fried
chicken was always a hit with everyone especially her grandchildren and her sweet potato pies
were loved by many
Louise was active in the community and had a longtime relationship with the Christian Center,
the oldest social service organization in Berkshire County. She was a Civil Rights Advocate,
pictured in The Berkshire Eagle (March 1965) marching around Park Square for voter’s rights,
Louise was a Founding Member of "Women of Color Circle" Group for Minority Women in
Berkshire County and involved with the Willing Workers organization
She was active in politics and received commendation from then Massachusetts Gov. Deval
Patrick; mom loved watching MSNBC and engaging in political discourse
Reverend Williamson was an active member in the AME Zion Church
• District Officer, Woman’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society, AME Zion Church for
over 30 years
• Price Memorial AME Zion Church Choir member
• Consecrated Deaconess in 1976 until passing
• Local preacher/pastor’s associate under Rev Willard Durant
• Ordained Elder (Minister) 2010, retired in 2017
• Pastor, Clinton AME Zion Church 2010 - 2011 - 2017
In addition to her parents, her husband James I.Williamson and siblings Horace Moore, Lizzie
Mae Plessy, Robert Moore, Mamie Roberts and Jesse Moore and grandson Jared Benham
preceded her in death
She leaves to celebrate her life, James L Moore (Kathleen); Kevin Williamson (Delma); Kerry
Williamson (Rebecca); Scott Williamson (Alice); Joy Foster (Thomas) and Shelby Williamson
(Heather) as well as 15 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held, FRIDAY, March 5, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at DERY FUNERAL HOME, 54 Bradford St, Pittsfield. A private service will be held for the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to Price Memorial AME Zion Church or to the Christian Center in care of the funeral home.