he Williamson Family—for the purposes of this article consists of William Davis Williamson (more popularly know as “Red”, Jackie (Viola Mae or Sissy), Wanda, Clifton, Wanda Lee, Jacque Ruth and David.

Jackie and Red were married, probably, about 1947 or 1948. They spent many of their year’s together living near Hobbs NM and then in west Texas. They also lived in Morgan City LA, and Orange TX for a few years. Red was employed in the oil industry. Upon his retirement, they chose to live near the rest of the family on Black Lake just out of Campti LA.

They enjoyed their two children—Clifton and Wanda. Wanda passed away in 15 December 1998 after a long bout with cancer. She was always laughing. She had some struggles during her life, but she was always happy. She probably inherited this disposition from her mother. (More about that later.)

Wanda’s two daughters—Wanda Lee and Jacque Ruth—have tried to carry on without her. Wanda Lee has one son, David. They still live in the North Louisiana area.

Now, to be a little more personal—Jackie is my first cousin. She is a little older than I am. I spent much time being near her and her family in my childhood years. Her mother, Aunt Ruth, was my mother’s sister. Due to the closeness of the Cain Family, we spent vacations, Christmas, Thanksgiving and many other happy times together—just one big family—up until the time I married we still saw each other often. But after my move to Beaumont TX getting married, and taking care of my family, we didn’t see her as often. Also, she and her family moved which hindered our visits. But, even though we were not geographically close, I still continued to feel very close to her.

When Jackie passed away, our son, Nathan, was asked to assist with her service. He asked me to give him a few of my memories of her to help him have a better background of her earlier life. Here is a copy of my memories.

Viola Mae Manning Williamson, better know as “Jackie”, enjoyed a very happy marriage with her husband, W. D. ”Red” Williamson. Red went on to be with the Lord 23 September 1991. Jackie continued to miss him until God took her home on 13 March 2002.

She loved her children, Wanda and Clifton, and her grandchildren, Jacque Ruth and Wanda Lee, and great grandson, David. Her greatest desire for them was that they live for God. She often asked others to help her pray for them. Some of her happiest times in her later years were when they could all be together for a happy family meal on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Due to family illness and bad weather they did not get to have this family time for either Thanksgiving or Christmas this past year.

She loved gospel singing and often called Bro. Thomas O’Conn—who had a gospel program early in the morning—to request songs which she especially enjoyed. She and Bro. O’Conn got to be pretty good buddies since she called so often.

Reading was Jackie’s favorite pastime. She spent many enjoyable hours with her books. Christian fiction or historical fiction was her preference. She especially enjoyed our Pentecostal authors. However, her most favorite were biographies and autobiographies of our pioneer Pentecostal trail blazers. She would read all of her books over and over.

Jackie had much sadness in her lifetime, but she could always laugh. If anyone inquired as to how she was doing—after a big giggle—she would say, “You don’t want to know”. This usually brought a response of—“It can’t be too bad with a giggle like that”. This would bring on another big giggle. Most likely this was a trait her Dad passed on to her. He always giggled when something amused him. Jackie was told by many people she wouldn’t make it if she ever lost her laugh.

She loved God. She enjoyed going to church and did so as long as she was physically able and had the necessary transportation. The Lord was always a part of her conversation. She talked about how good He is and how He did more for her than anyone. She felt so blessed to be a part of a large family that loved God. She had great faith. When something went wrong—and it did quite often—she called for prayer. The next time you checked with her, the need had been met. She looked forward each summer to the Louisiana Camp Meeting on the campground near Tioga and Alexandria. Regardless of where she was living she always traveled to the Camp Meeting as long as her health permitted.

And now her battle is over—her struggle is passed. She has made it to the other side to be with the Lord whom she loved so much. She has won her victory.

Conclusion: I spent many hours on the telephone with Jackie during her last few years—calling her almost daily. I still miss her very much.

After she and Red married and lived in Morgan City LA, I visited them some. Later they moved to Pinehurst TX (which is near Beaumont), so we were back and forth visiting each other. While they were living there, she would come to Beaumont to baby sit. My mother, May Ward, was also baby sitting and would find jobs for Jackie. One night they were both working and we had a bad flood in Beaumont and I was so worried about both of them getting home. I think Jackie got home before Mom did. I must have spent most of the night worrying about them, but they finally made it in safely.

From here, Red was transferred to Hobbs NM. I really hated to see them leave. In 1973, I took Mom, Pop and Aunt Ruth to Hobbs to see them. While we were there, Jackie and Clifton took us to Carlsbad Cavern. It was a long day, but we really enjoyed it. We stayed several days in Hobbs and while we were there, I stayed at night with Marie and had some good visits with her. That’s the last time I saw her but we were in touch by telephone until she passed away. I drove all the way out there and back and I don’t know when I have ever been so tired.

Red was such a jolly person and I always enjoyed being around him. He was a hard worker and was good to help other people, too.

Wanda and her girls lived across the road from Mom and Pop at Black Lake for several years—until Pop had a heart attack and had to come to Beaumont for us to take care of them. Wanda was real good to drive them and see about them when they weren’t able to help themselves until some of us could get up there to see about them.

I was real glad when Red, Jackie and Clifton moved to Black Lake after he retired. I know Jackie wanted to be near her mother and dad. As our lives changed, so did theirs. Aunt Ruth and Uncle Olon, moved to Haynesville and were there until they passed away.

I know Jackie had some lonely times after they left but she really loved God and depended on Him. He is our only hope in this world and the only One any of us can depend on. I miss Jackie and Red, also Wanda, Aunt Ruth and Uncle Olon.

Sissy spoke of Red playing the guitar and singing (I believe). I guess maybe Clifton got his love of music from Red. Red seemed to be a very hard worker, working from can to can’t. Evidently Clifton is a good cook, making pies from “scratch” from what Sissy said and he enjoys reading.

One intriguing trademark about the Manning family is their laughing. I suppose it came from Uncle Olon since he loved to tease kids and laugh at them. If you stop to think about it, Mary Lou laughs, Sissy laughed, Wanda laughed and I think Wanda Lee and Jacque Ruth and probably others in the family—it is a special type of laugh that is so enjoyable, and lifts your spirits. Sissy could be sooooo down and have so many troubles, but she could still laugh about it as if her troubles didn’t exist!

Wanda, Wanda Lee, and Jacque Ruth have enjoyed having a special meal at times for Aunt Ruth and Uncle Olon, then later Sissy and Clifton. Wanda Lee has carried a big load working hard trying to take care of her mother before she passed away, helping Jacque Ruth and raising David and helping see after Sissy shortly before she passed away. The times I have been around Jacque Ruth, she has seemed happy and sweet. David loved his grandmother Wanda. I met Leslie at Sissy’s funeral service and she seemed to be a loving person. David and Leslie and I am sure Wanda Lee and Jacque are all enjoying the newest edition to the family, Rose Lynelle, born 11 November 2003.