Dorothy Grace Williamson passed away in her home at the age of 97 on Oct. 31, 2024. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. with an Eastern Star Service at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7 at Eidsness Funeral Home. Immediate family is invited to a burial service starting at Eidsness Funeral Home at 9:45 a.m. going in procession to Greenwood Cemetery on Friday, Nov. 8. All are welcome to a memorial service celebrating Dorothy’s life at 11 a.m. on Friday Nov. 8 at Eidsness Funeral Home.
Dorothy was born on the family farm near Viborg, SD, to Lester and Gladys Benson on Aug. 3, 1927. Her experiences growing up in rural South Dakota during the Depression years taught her the importance of community involvement, volunteerism, and being there for your neighbors. She attended country school thru eighth grade and completed four years of high school in Hurley graduating in 1945. Dorothy’s love of school continued at Sioux Falls College graduating in 1947 with a teaching degree. Her first position was teaching 4th grade in Centerville, SD.
On Nov. 21, 1948, she married her high school sweetheart, Warren Williamson, who was a student at SDSU. When Warren graduated in 1951, they both were offered teaching positions in Clear Lake, SD. After three years in Clear Lake Warren accepted a teaching position in Winner, SD. While in Winner, their first child, Carolyn Jean (Jeannie) was born.
In 1956, they moved to Brookings when Warren accepted a teaching and coaching position at SDSU. Their second child, Thomas Lee, was born shortly after their arrival in Brookings. While raising two small children, Dorothy continued to work as a substitute teacher in Brookings. Eventually she took a full-time position in the Academic Testing Services Department at SDSU and retired after a 20-year administrative career.
Dorothy enjoyed many decades of involvement in organizations that guided her life and meant so much to her. She was a life long member of the First Presbyterian Church.
She held leadership positions in the Order of Eastern Star Brookings Chapter 15, PEO Chapter BA, the Art Guild, Extension Club, and Jobs Daughters. She was designated an Outstanding Senior Presbyterian in 2021.
Dorothy had many hobbies and interests. She was a voracious reader especially history and politics. Other interests fulfilling her life included sewing, refinishing antiques, travel, baking, and all things family. She also was a life long supporter of everything SDSU had to offer.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents and husband Warren.
She is survived by children Jeannie (Scott) Trudell, Henderson, NV and Tom (Tracey) Williamson, St. Joseph, MO. Three grandchildren, Wade (Carla) Williamson, Casey (Bailey) Williamson, and Jessica Reynolds, four great-grandchildren Lucy, Wyatt, Warren, and Livingston (Liv). Her brother Ross (Shirley) Benson, Hurley. And many wonderful nieces and nephews who were always there for her.
The family suggests memorial donations to either First Presbyterian Church in Brookings or the Warren Williamson Scholarship Fund at SDSU.
