Submitted by Emily O'Neal

Rome News Tribune May 11, 1909

Mrs. Williamson Called By Death

After a lingering illness Mrs. Ben Williamson died Sunday at her home in the fourth ward. The funeral took place from the Fifth Avenue Baptist Church. The following from a life long friend of the deceased gives further particulars of Mrs. Williamson's death, which is mourned by hundreds of friends:
On July 18, 1863, Janie R. O'Bryan was born in Floyd County, Georgia, and on January 3, 1884, she married Benjamin L. Williamson, of Floyd county, with whom she lived until her death, which happened on May 9, 1909, as a tender, loving and affectionate wife. To this union there was born eleven children. Six of them are still living to mourn her loss, viz: Fannie Etne, Clyde, Lillian Beatrice, Grace Mattalene, Mamie Louise and Julius Clinton. Five boys who preceded their mother in death are all buried at Armuchee church burying grounds in this county.
Besides her husband and childen, she leaves two brothers; J. D. O'Bryan, of Cedartown, I. T. O'Bryan of Rome, and sisters, Mrs. Ellen Fuller of Calhoun, Mrs. Mollie Grace, of Anniston, Ala., and Mrs. Etna Buffington, of Rome, who were present when her soul took it's flight to the home beyond. Mrs. Williamson joined the Baptist church when she was 15 years of age and has been a consistent member since; at the time of her death her membership was with the Fifth Avenue Baptist Church, at which church her funeral was preached by the Rev. Mr. Willingham. The following friends to the family acted as pallbearers: J.W. Copeland, G.W. Rosson, F.S. Barron, Hugh McCrary, D.O. Byars and W. H. Chapman; her remains were carried to the Armuchee church burying grounds, and laid beside the graves of her departed boys; many of her kinspeople and friends accompanied them to their last resting place.
A kind, loving mother, wife and friend has gone, but she leaves behind her a life that was admirable and will be long remembered by those with whom she came in contact. The husband has lost the best friend on earth, the children a mother that cannot be replaced and the church community a member and friend that will be greatly missed. Truly a good woman has gone. Her going, however, is only earthly loss! It is unquestionably her eternal gain.

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