Estelle Williamson Obituary

Estelle Ford-Williamson, gifted author and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on 8/18/25 at her home in Beaufort, SC, after a lengthy illness. Born in Chattanooga, TN, in 1944, Estelle was the fifth of 10 children born to William and Fannie Ford. Her early years exploring mountains, waterfalls, and historical sites with her family helped animate her career as a professional writer. She graduated from St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, IN, and studied journalism at Northwestern University in Chicago. She then joined United Press International in Atlanta, where she reported on the civil rights struggles of the day. After earning a master's degree in organizational development at the University of West Georgia, she worked in management training and career development with corporations and individuals across the country. Estelle's lifelong passion for learning and sharing her knowledge led her to write and publish "Abbeville Farewell: A Novel of Early Atlanta and North Georgia," and her second novel, "Rising Fawn." She also lent her considerable talents to writers' workshops in Atlanta and at the Pat Conroy Literary Center in Beaufort, specializing in memoir writing. In 2014, she co-wrote with Majok Marier his story, "Seed of South Sudan: Memoir of a Lost Boy Refugee," and was instrumental in founding Wells for Hope for South Sudan, a nonprofit group that has helped Majok share his message and build 10 wells to date in his homeland. Estelle was every bit as generous and beloved in her personal life. She cherished her family, loved to travel, and welcomed new friends into her life at each turn. A person of deep faith, she was a longtime parishioner at Corpus Christi Church in Stone Mountain, GA, and at St. Peter's Church in Beaufort, SC. She leaves behind her devoted life partner and husband of 35 years, Richard Williamson; daughter Noel Greene; and stepchildren Todd (Patty) Williamson and Tracy (Derek) Gilbert. Beloved grandchildren include Ellis Gilbert; Roslyn Gilbert; Samantha (Williamson) Durand (Stephan) Durand; Caleb Williamson; Matthew Gilbert; Mark David Gilbert; Annabel Lee Gilbert; and Lucy Margarette Gilbert. Also mourning her passing are her siblings: Pat (Suzanne) Ford, Mary Agraz, Clara Ford, Katie (Joel) Sprouse, and Mona Ford, as well as several nieces and nephews and a vast circle of friends. She was predeceased by her parents and by her siblings William Ford Jr., Jack Ford, Janet Meadows, and James Ford. Estelle was a remarkable person who will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Arrangements are as follows: The funeral will be held on Friday November 14, 2025 at St. Peters Catholic Church in Beaufort, SC at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions may be made in Estelle's memory to the following organizations: Wells for Hope for South Sudan at https://www.wellsforhopeforsouthsudan.org/ Notre Dame High School, Chattanooga, TN at https://www.myndhs.com Pat Conroy Literary Center, Beaufort, SC at https://patconroyliterarycenter.org