Norma Jean Mehaffey Williamson went to be with her Lord on July 1, 2025.
Born to Alexander and Jimmie Mehaffey on January 6, 1937, Norma was raised in Birmingham, AL, where her grandparents, Andrew and Lela Moore, were a special part of her life. She was a 1955 graduate of John Herbert Phillips High School and had a career as a business and church secretary.
Norma married the love of her life, Ed Williamson, on August 24,1956. During their marriage of 68 years, they set an example of devotion to one another for the family they built together. After beginning their marriage in Birmingham, they found a beloved new home in the small town of Hartselle, where they were devoted members of First Methodist Church and where Norma served as a library aide at Crestline Elementary School.
Norma was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, whose grandchildren fondly knew her as “Gandy.” Whether enjoying a conversation in the rocking chairs on her porch or attending an event for one of her grandchildren, Norma always made time to spend with and support her family. A gifted calligrapher, her family looked forward to having their milestones celebrated with her beautifully handwritten cards. She was also well-known for her cooking and baking, and her family was shown her love through delicious homemade meals and desserts shared around her table.
Norma was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Lisa Robin Williamson; her father, Alexander Bickerton Mehaffey; her mother, Jimmie Alpharetta Moore Doss; her brother, Thomas Asbury Doss; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Mildred Webb.
She is survived by her husband, Edward (Ed) Lenox Williamson, Sr.; one daughter, Leigh Williamson Chappell (Thomas); two sons, Edward Lenox (Len) Williamson, Jr. (Valerie) and James Chadwick (Chad) Williamson (Donna); one brother, James (Jim) Alvis Doss (Krista); eight grandchildren, Whitney Clemons (Matt Garner), Elizabeth (Lizzy) Elmore (John), Will Chappell (Dannah), Andrea Williams (Nicholas), Claire Ussery (Jacob), Caroline Lamb (Aaron), Andrew Williamson, and Abby Williamson; and ten great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 3:00 pm at First Methodist Church of Hartselle with Rev. Doug Wells officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be Thursday, July 3, 2025, from 2-3 pm at the church. Burial will follow at Hartselle City Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Will Chappell, John Elmore, Matt Garner, Jacob Ussery, Nicholas Williams, and Andrew Williamson.
The family expresses appreciation to Norma’s caregiver and dear friend, Cynthia Williams.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of the Valley.
Peck Funeral Home
