Elaine Marie Williamson

Born in Bucks County, PA, Elaine was the daughter of the late William Frederick Kisters and Katarina Margarete Colme, who emigrated from Germany in the 1920s. Following the death of her father, Elaine and her mother moved to St. Simons Island, GA, where she enjoyed the blessings of ocean and beach.

She is survived by her husband, Cephas “Pete” Durham Williamson, daughters, Christy Lynn (Mike) Wilson of Irving, TX, Joy Kay Williamson of Indianapolis, IN, and Hope Ann Schmeling of Englewood, OH; and a brother, John William Kisters, of Winder, GA.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Frederick Harry Kisters.

Elaine was skilled in secretarial and other office work. Early in her work career in Philadelphia, she met a co-worker, Elsie, and they became sisters more than friends. That sisterhood was significant to Elaine because all her relatives, except her siblings, lived in Europe. After marriage, an aunt, uncle, and cousin from Holland visited, the only time she met any of her family. Elaine was not without the bonds of extended family, however, because to her a stranger was just a friend she had not met. She made lasting friends easily everywhere she went.

In St. Simons Island, Elaine worked in the office of Epworth-by-the-Sea, a conference and camp facility of the Methodist Church. In 1965, a young, single minister, who was leading an activity at Epworth, met Elaine. He asked her for a date. On a warm Georgia evening, underneath massive, southern oaks draped with Spanish moss, he surprised her by proposing marriage. She surprised him by accepting. On May 22, 1965, Elaine and Cephas exchanged wedding vows.

Elaine was a dutiful, loyal, and industrious wife and mother, sharing Cephas’ career. They shared three church appointments in small and large churches in Georgia. In 1968, she readily supported Cephas’ desire to become a Navy chaplain. At one time, Elaine was interested in enlisting in the military, influenced by the military service of her brothers. This new phase of their union took her to the Camp Lejeune Marine Corp base in NC, then to the naval base at Mayport, FL, back to Camp Lejeune, back to Mayport, caring for home and children by herself during Cephas’ deployments. Her final move was to Fort Wayne, IN, where Cephas became a VA chaplain. Elaine acquired many lasting friends during this experience, although distance and time has affected contact with some.

In Fort Wayne, Elaine worked in several secretarial and office positions, including at several churches. The longest position was with the Associated Churches of Fort Wayne and Allen County. Her particular passion in that role was supporting A Baby’s Closet. Elaine was also a school aid with special education students for several years.

Elaine was a crafty woman who enjoyed a variety of crafts, including knitting, basket weaving, quilting, embroidery, and similar exploits. As a basket weaver, she was known as Leave It To Weaver. More recently, she has been known as 1CraftyNut. Elaine was enthusiastic about songbirds, particularly raising Eastern Bluebirds. She also loved gardening, particularly growing flowers, and was familiar with all varieties.

Elaine also loved her pets, both dogs and cats. She adopted a handsome greyhound, Mars Bar, her million-dollar dog. Later, she adopted a pitbull, Lovie, her once-in-a-lifetime dog who excelled at canine nose work.

Some of Elaine’s friends have preceded her to their eternal reward. Now she has entered her eternal home, awaiting the arrival of her friends. All who know her have no doubt that she is enjoying new, exciting, and creative exploits, and, above all, befriending the angels.

A visitation will be on Friday, November 8, 2024, from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Maplewood Park, 4017 Maplecrest Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46815. Funeral service to begin at 3:00 PM, at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Maplewood Park, 4017 Maplecrest Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46815.

In lieu of flowers, Elaine’s family requests memorials be made to A Baby’s Closet at the Associated Churches, or to the donor’s choice.