Faye Williamson

Ila Faye Williamson finished her course on this earth, Sunday, March 5, 2017. A graveside service will be held AT 11:30 AM, Thursday, March 9, 2017 in Tatum, New Mexico.

Faye was the firstborn to parents William Percy Flatt and Delma (Lee) Flatt on November 21, 1927 in Happy, Texas. Being the eldest of five siblings, Bob Flatt of Ida, Oklahoma, Patricia (Triss) Flatt Herrington, Lynda Flatt Stafford, William Percy (Jr.) Flatt (deceased) and Billy Edwin Flatt (infant deceased), she assumed her position of responsibility with the unselfish love, strength and enthusiasm that would be so typical of her all the days of her life. At an early age, Faye was drawn to the bold message of Jesus, and she knew she wanted to spend her earthly days with a partner that had the same vision of living loved and living free. She eventually found that mate in A.E. (Albert Ernest) Williamson, Jr. (deceased July 2016) and they married February 26, 1948. They settled down in Lea County, a part of the community of Crossroads, New Mexico where they raised cattle and reared two daughters, Marilyn, (deceased 1967) and Carolyn. Faye loved the life of ranching and a truer description was never found, than a tiny and simple magnet on her refrigerator door, which read, "This is NO ORDINARY Housewife You're Dealing With". She was an extraordinary woman, excelling in generosity, encouragement and love. Faye's influence extended from her own home carpentry and wonderful kitchen aroma, to sharing scripture with Sunday School ladies, to landscaping acres of beautiful gardens, doctoring family and cattle, canning her produce, loving her God, nation and everyone around her. Faye could never be mistaken for a passive, wall flower type, either. When daughter, Carolyn began looking at young men, it didn't take long for her mother to give extra favor and welcome to a young man from a nearby ranching community of Caprock, NM, Lyman Ray Graham. Lyman, Faye and A.E. formed a mutual admiration society. Carolyn found herself somewhat outnumbered, however mutually attracted to Lyman's open and easy manner when it came to his connection with her parents. Lyman was a son, in every sense of the word. Faye enjoyed many wonderful years as grandmother to Jason and Celeste Graham Benefield of Destrehan, Louisiana, Michael and Camille Graham Figueroa of Mayhill and Kevin and Camaryn Graham Henington of Roswell and great grandmother to Jaslin, Addison and Eden Benefield and Maycie and Mason Henington. In the late 1980's, A.E. and Faye moved to Roswell, and if you dined at Furr's Cafeteria, Faye might have served you up a cold glass of ice tea. Later, she loved selling and decorating with the Skeen family at Skeen's Furniture, Broadmoor Center and might have found you perfect furniture for your own home. Whatever the circumstance, Faye lived in joy and generosity, and especially giving attention to her husband of almost 68 years. The last several years on this earth, she was challenged by dementia, but her encouragement from scripture and relationship with her Jesus remained precious and comforting to Faye.

Pallbearers will be Faye's great-grandson, Mason, grandsons Jason, Michael and Kevin, and brothers in Christ, Carl Gerken, Adam Romero, Vernon Crockett and James Evans.

"Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness...Her children rise up and call her blessed...." from Proverbs 31.

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