Geraldine "Geri" Williamson

Geraldine “Geri” Williamson, 85, passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at the Stuart Care Center after a courageous battle with cancer.

Geri was born on July 7, 1938, at home in Earlham to her parents Jess and Erma (Nellis) Nelson. She graduated from Earlham High School in 1956. On March 19, 1960, she married the love of her life, John Williamson, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua.

After finishing high school, Geri worked for Northwestern Bell before deciding to dedicate her time to raising her children when they were born. Once they were grown, she joined Continental Western Life and enjoyed a successful career there.

Geri was an active member of the Sunshine Circle and the Lions Club, always looking for ways to make a positive impact on the lives of those around her. She loved her community and delivered Meals on Wheels to those in need. Geri was a 4-H leader and generously volunteered at the Earlham Schools where her warmth and kindness left a lasting impression with many children.  She also loved volunteering at both the Information and Blue Ribbon Foundation booths at the Iowa State Fair, sharing her knowledge and love of the fair with the many visitors.

Her faith was central to her life, as Geri was a member of the Earlham Friends Church for many years. She taught Sunday school for an incredible 40 years and served on numerous church boards.

In addition to her community involvement, Geri possessed many talents and hobbies. She was a fabulous seamstress and spent countless hours crafting beautiful baby blankets and crocheted afghans for the homeless, bringing comfort to those in need. Her love for reading led her to become a book club leader both in Iowa and Texas, where she and John would spend their winters for many years. While in Texas she was able to enjoy being in a sewing group, and also spending countless hours enjoying her love of games with the many wonderful couples they were able to meet and always enjoyed reconnecting with each year.

Geri is survived by her husband, John; children, Gary (Laura) Williamson of Des Moines, and Susan (Mike) Adams of Earlham; sisters, Maxine Fuller of Earlham, and Carol (Mike) Cady of Wisconsin; step-sisters, Karen Barnett, and Jan Duncan; step-brothers, Gene (Faye) Price, and Jim (Felicia) Price; sister-in-law, Janet Williamson; 3 grandchildren Dustin (Sarah) Adams, Kasandra (Bill) Gibson, and Austin (Reilly) Adams; and 7 great grandchildren, Liam, Mayve, Lily, Layla, Lyla, Mila, and Hudson.

She was preceded in death by her son David Williamson; brothers-in-law, Leroy Fuller, and Jim Williamson; and step-sister, Sybil Witt.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m, Saturday, September 30, 2023 at the Bricker-Price Block in Earlham with family greeting friends one hour prior beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be held in the Earlham Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Earlham Public Library and/or to the Earlham Fire and Rescue. Online Condolences may be left to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.