A Life Well Lived

Jo Ella Williamson was born on December 04, 1935, in Henning, TN to the union of Anderson Paul and Eliza Henning. Jo Ella accepted Christ at an early age. She received her formal education in Lauderdale County Tennessee Public School System. Jo Ella later moved to Hayti, Missouri, and married her husband, Bennie Williamson. She worked in various capacities within the manufacturing industry. Jo Ella, who is affectionately known as Momma Jo, will be remembered for her unwavering faith, courageous personality, and loving soul. She was a strong believer in the principle "treat others how you want to be treated". Momma Jo was inspirational and showed unconditional love through her selfless acts of kindness. She left an imprint on the hearts of everyone she encountered. Momma Jo lived her life to the fullest. She was a gifted hairstylist who took pride in making others look and feel their best. The simplest pleasures in life brought her happiness. She enjoyed cooking, fishing, playing cards, watching westerns, basketball, gardening, and most importantly spending quality time with her family and closest friends.

On Saturday, May 20, 2023, Jo Ella transitioned this life to eternal rest. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bennie Williamson; parents, Anderson Paul, and Eliza Henning; son, Bennie (Martha) Williamson Jr.; daughter, Christine Williamson; brothers, J.W. Bursey, Ira B. Henning, Lloyd Henning, Leroy Henning, and Samuel Henning; sisters, Nera Jefferies and Mackcenet Henning, and granddaughter, Sharokka Palmer.

Jo Ella's legacy continues through her beloved children Benny Williamson of Springfield, IL, Barbara Williamson of Hayti, Missouri, Darrell (Elizabeth) Williamson and Rhonda (Danny) Webster of O'Fallon Missouri, and Keven Williamson of Caruthersville, Missouri; sisters Vannie Lee Henning and Fannie Jane Youngblood of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; best friends/bonus sisters, Geneva Pierson Sanders of Springfield, Illinois, and Dorothy Neely of Maury City, Tennessee; twelve grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren; an abundance of nieces, nephews, cousins, special caregivers Delois Bays and Celustia Barringer, and lifelong friends.

John W. German Funeral Home in Hayti oversaw arrangements.