Rana Kay Williamson

On May 6 in the year of our Lord, 2024, Rana Kay Williamson passed into the next phase of her journey.   She was the daughter of the late, Loyd Victor Williamson and Dortha Waddell Williamson.  They were the owners and operators of Buster’s Laundry and Cleaners from 1945 until Loyd’s death in 1996.  The couple had one other daughter, Delia Ruth Williamson, who still resides in Junction and is a retired pharmacist.

A precocious child, Loyd lovingly referred to his daughter as “the mouth” or sometimes “shorty” in a laughing jab at her beanpole height.  Great chums in life, Rana took every step her father made and from him learned to hunt, fish, and be an ethical human being.

She graduated from Junction High School in 1981 and went on to attend Southwest Texas State University earning a degree in Journalism followed by a master’s degree in American History.   She then moved to Fort Worth where she was awarded a doctorate degree in American History with honors from Texas Christian University.

She taught at Southwest Texas State University, Texas Christian University, University of Texas at Arlington, and the University of Dallas.  Though beloved by her students, she easily ran afoul of her superiors for failing to keep her opinions to herself.  She was the author of numerous papers on the drought of the 1950’s as well as more than 25 cozy mysteries for the general public.

Her proudest affiliation was having joined the Order of the Eastern Star in 1980 at age 18.  She humbly served two terms as Worthy Matron at Ft. McKavett #783 and counts its membership as her most precious fraternal family.  Among those who so lovingly cared for her at the end of her life were the “girls” who belonged to the International Order of Rainbow for Girls and cherished friends from kindergarten forward.

There are no words to express the loving companionship Rana experienced in the company of her cats. Beginning with a tiny black and white kitten named Jimmy when Rana was only a year old to Tucker, Tipper and Tinker, she was rarely without the guidance of the superior feline mind.

Rana’s favorite philosopher, Marcus Aurelius, believed that a woman’s life is not incomplete if it is overtaken by fate as one might say that an actor has left the stage before the play concluded.  Rana was content that she did not leave the world with anything important undone or unsaid.   If any feel that they were insulted by her or offended her in any way, let them know that all was long since forgiven and forgotten. With a slight editing of scripture, let me close by saying “Greater love hath no man than this”…that he has made a friend or friends who hold his hand at the end.

She is survived by her sister, Delia Ruth; her cousins, Maggie Farrington and Carolyn Hessong; lifelong friends, Brenda and Larry Trimble, Travis and Colleen Trimble, and Master Wyatt Trimble, Molly Holland, Laurrie Allen, Debbie Griffin, and Nicole Tomlinson.  And special thanks to Dr. Robin Fuquay for her loving care and professional guidance.

Services for Rana Kay Williamson will be held 2:00 pm, May 25, 2024 at the Junction First Baptist Church.   Her ashes will be interred after the service and everyone is welcome.  After the graveside services are completed, family and friends will be hosting a visitation at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.  Light refreshments will be served.  Please come and visit with everyone and help us celebrate Rana Kay.

In lieu of flowers, Rana would prefer a donation be made in her name to the Sam B. Coffey Animal Shelter in Junction or to the Kimble County Library.

Services with integrity, pride, and honor are under the direction of Kimble Funeral Home.  (325) 446-3076