She was the daughter of the late Courtney “Wes” Williamson and Robetta Thomas Williamson. Having a green thumb, Mom loved working outside with the many, many flowers she grew as well as in her vegetable garden. She loved the outdoors, working in her gardens from sunrise to sunset, and into the darkness at times. Mom might even take a lunch break from her love of gardening to eat some lunch every now and then. One of her many interests included canning vegetables from her garden and that brought her much joy. Mom was a hard working woman, working until the age of 77 and was one of the most thrifty individuals you would ever meet, making use of anything and everything.
Gean never met a stranger. Everyone who crossed paths with her fell in love with her sweet, kind and gentle spirit. Mom had an incredible sense of humor and loved playing jokes on her family and friends. She loved and adored her daughters and grandchildren beyond measure and belief. Her biggest achievement in life was for her daughters to live a life of enjoyment and her goal was to never become a burden to them or her family. Gean was of the Baptist faith.
She was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband, John Henry Byous; sisters, Irene Harden and Ida Friddell; two brothers, Carl Williamson and Garland Williamson.
Mom is survived by her loving daughters, Darlene Eidson, Harrison, TN, Debbie (Benny) Hixson, Birchwood, TN and Charlene (Steve) Bettis, McDonald, TN; brother, Raymond (Carol) Williamson of Flat Rock, AL; three grandchildren, Michael Smith and his fiancé, Gail Martin, Carey (Jeremy) Andrews, both from Georgetown, TN and Kim (William) Rollins, Cleveland, TN; six great-grandchildren, Addy Rollins, Emma Rollins, Brayden Andrews, Gavin Andrews, Mallory Andrews and Ava Andrews.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 AM Friday, March 3, 2023, in the funeral home chapel with Chaplain Kevin Becker officiating. Interment will follow in New McDonald Cemetery.
The family would like to express a special thank you for their compassionate and loving care to all the employees on 300 South at Memorial Hospital and at Hearth Hospice during this time.
Mom always told us to give her flowers while she was alive and we did. In her honor, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Hearth Hospice, 513 Georgia Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37403 or to a charity of your choice.
Please visit www.chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com to share your thoughts and memories of Gean.
The family will receive friends from 4-8 PM Thursday, March 2, 2023 at the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
