Extracted from The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson, MS)
Creston F. Williamson
Creston F. Williamson, 63, died Thursday, April 8, 2004, at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, Long Beach, Calif. Visitation is 5-8 p.m. today at Westview Baptist Church, McDowell Road at Raymond Road in Jackson and 9-10 a.m. Friday. Services are 10 a.m. Friday at the church. A graveside service will be at 12 noon at Salem Baptist Church Cemetery in Scott County. Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon is handling arrangements.
Mr. Williamson was born January 3, 1941 in Lake. He graduated in 1960 from Byram High School in Jackson. He served in the United States Army for three years, with much time served in Korea. Later he moved to Los Angeles, Calif., where he worked for the Postal Service at the University of Southern California. It was in Los Angeles that he met Norma Demolo Cana, who would become his beloved wife for more than 37 years.
Mr. Williamson became a Christian at an early age, and his love of God was the focus of his entire life. He was Chairman of the Board of Joy International Ministries, a charitable Christian organization ministering to Christian Schools, missionaries, and needy families/individuals in the Philippines. He loved classical and gospel music, especially the music of Bill Gaither and his "Homecoming" Friends. Mr. Williamson was a prolific writer of beautiful, delicate poetry, and he will always be remembered for his kind and gentle spirit.
Mr. Williamson was preceded in death by his father, Lonzo Williamson, his brother, Charles Williamson and his sister, Glenda Williamson.
He is survived by his wife, Norma Demolo Cana Williamson of Lynwood, Calif.; son, James Williamson and wife Lauren; granddaughters Courtney and Sarah Williamson, all of Lafayette, La.; mother, Retha Emmons Williamson of Jackson; brothers, David Williamson of Jackson and Sollie Williamson of St. Martinville, La.; sister, Joan Myers of Terry; and a large extended family, including Evelyn Waltman, his cherished ``Aunt Pete'' of Lake.
Memorials may be made to JOY International Ministries, 3521 Sanborn Avenue, Lynwood, CA 90262-3407.
Thursday, April 15, 2004
Lynwood, Calif.
``I heard the voice of Christ my Lord, His arms outstretched for me. He drew me closer to his side; his hands encompassed me. Despair is gone, hope lies ahead; a new sunrise I see. My strength renewed, my joy restored, I have now found victory.'' (From ``A Remembrance,'' Creston F. Williamson, June 25, 1986)