Joseph Williamson

Joseph Williamson was greeted in glory by his loving wife of 56 years, Elizabeth Bosley Williamson, and his beloved middle daughter, Roberta Sue Williamson, on January 6, 2012. He was 87 years blessed. Joe was born on April 7, 1924, to the union of Lillie Belle Essex and William Williamson. Both of his parents predeceased him, as did his brother, Leonard Hebron, his sister, Roberta Hebron, and his nephew-son, Robert Stanley Holmes. Left to celebrate Joe’s memory are his only grandchild and “little fella,” Joseph Williamson Cooke, his devoted youngest daughter, JoAnna Williamson, and his cherished eldest daughter, Diane Anderson-Kinney (James Kinney). He is also survived by his godchildren, David A. Holmes and Christine Sanders (New York, N.Y.), cousin-son John L. “Jackie” Young, and a host of other cousins, sisters-and-brothers-in-laws, nieces, nephews, and dear family friends. Joe was a lifelong Columbus resident. He and his wife and three daughters all graduated from East High School. Joe met and married his wife and raised his children in Shiloh Baptist Church, where he was a tenor soloist in the Senior Choir. Joe and Elizabeth were so active in their community and their children's schools and lives that their home became a favorite resting place for friends of all ages. Joe’s wide circle of friends and acquaintances included those who shared his passion for sports, favorite vacation spots, and God. Joe was loved and respected throughout his life by his biological family members, most notably the Campbell family with roots in Nelson County, VA, and Washington, PA, as well as his in-laws whose family trees include the Bosleys, Bells, Grants, Suttons, and Fields. Family memories of Joe range from his “membership” in the “brothers-in-law” club to his longevity as a patriarch in his extended family. Joe attended The Ohio State University, and served as a World War II staff sergeant in the U.S. Army. Joe continued his federal career until his retirement from Defense Construction Supply Center (DCSC) after 36 years of service to his country and the U.S. Department of Defense. He distinguished himself as the highest-ranking African American civilian at what later became Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC), which resulted in his recognition in Ebony Magazine’s “Speaking of People” section, and his induction as an inaugural member of the DSCC Retiree Wall of Fame. Joe continued his legacy of service after his retirement as a recipient of The Anthony Award, acknowledging his volunteer contributions to Saint Anthony Hospital (now University Hospital East), and as an officer of The Peers Club, Inc.