Madeline Mcmillin Williamson

Madeline McMillin Williamson was born October 11, 1927 in Sherman, TX to Rocky and Ethel McMillin. She passed away on May 19, 2017 at the age of 89 after a brief illness. Madeline was raised in Bonham, TX and graduated from Bonham High School in 1944. One of her claims to fame is that she worked for Representative Sam Rayburn in Bonham who was the longest serving Speaker of the House in the United States House of Representatives. She graduated from North Texas State Teacher's College (now University of North Texas) in 1948 with a B.A. degree in art. Later she received her Masters in Fine Arts from SMU. She married A. Edward Williamson, Jr. in 1949, and moved to Dallas to begin teaching Elementary Art with DISD at Urban Park Elementary. She joined Highland Park Independent School District to teach art at Hyer Elementary in 1952 and retired in 1977. During this time, she worked with an outstanding Music teacher, Shirley Kochman. This dynamic duo produced excellent musical productions. Madeline provided the scenery and worked closely with Shirley on the costumes and masks. Past students of Madeline and Shirley still reminisce about these productions and being able to be a part of them. Madeline chose to not only teach, but also serve as President of the Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA), National Educators Association (NEA) and the Association for Childhood Education (ACE). In the late 1970's Madeline owned and operated Williamson Art Gallery in Snider Plaza, representing many talented local artists including Herck Ficklen, former Dallas Morning News Cartoonist and Olin Travis. In the latter part of her career, she became an art consultant, as well as an art collector. She particularly loved the early Texas artists and had a very special professional relationship with Olin Travis. Madeline was a member of First United Methodist Church of Dallas and the Aldersgate Class for over six decades. She is survived by her former husband, A. Edward Williamson, Jr., her son, Steve and daughter-in-law, Marsha, three grandsons, Scott of Dallas, Logan and his wife, Amanda of New Orleans and Kirk and his wife, Allyson of Dallas and two great grandchildren, Emma Grace and Kyle Felton. A Graveside Service will be held in Bonham, TX at 4:00pm on Friday, May 26, 2017 at the Willow Wood Cemetery, under the direction of Wise Funeral Home. Memorial gifts may be given to First United Methodist Church of Dallas or the charity of your choice.