Wilma Elizabeth Williamson

Wilma (Lee) Williamson was born in Los Angeles, California, September 1st, 1912 to Robert E and Maria Lee. She moved with her parents to Spokane, Washington at the age of 7 and arrived here in Clatsop County where she lived the remainder of her years. In 1938, she met and married Paul Williamson and raised 3 children on Clatsop Plains. Around 1960, she purchased a then derelict home at 1337 Franklin Avenue. One close friend privately asked her "Wilma, have you lost your mind"? She became what historian, John Goodenberger, referred to in the recent article as "the Pioneer of Restoration in Clatsop County". She always said that one of her main problems was "seeing things as they could be, not as they were".
She was a member of the 1st Baptist Church of Astoria, a member of many garden clubs, attended area schools, graduated from Astoria High School and attended Clatsop Community College. In addition to enjoying the restoration of homes, she loved gardening, animals, painting and throwing pots at CCC. However, her real enjoyment was to descend early on a Saturday morning to the local thrift stores to collect TREASURES from the past!
She was full of stories of the days of early Astoria. She recalled the downtown fire when she was growing up as a child, and later the shelling by the Japanese of Fort Stevens. She said she remembered one round streaking through the sky, directly over her home. Wilma was also a 60 year Cancer survivor. Wilma is survived by her daughter, Wilma Determan of Oak Harbor, Washington, her son Bill of Seattle, Washington and son Paul of Astoria, along with numerous grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. A private, family service will be held at Ocean View Cemetery with interment at Ocean View Cemetery on May 7th.
A reception will follow at the Christian Church of Warrenton, 1376 SE Anchor Ave, Warrenton OR