LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Theodore "Ted" Williamson,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Theodore "Ted" Williamson of Niagara Falls, New York, died on
June 24, 2010, at the age of 86; and
WHEREAS, Born December 3, 1923, in Aiken, South Carolina, to the late
Joseph and Shallona Williamson, Ted Williamson was the oldest son of
eight children; and
WHEREAS, He attended local schools including Niagara Street Elementary
and was a 1941 graduate of Niagara Falls High School; he enlisted in the
United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 1943; and
WHEREAS, In March of 1952, he married the former Gertrude "Trudy"
(Cheatham) and together they enjoyed 58 wonderful years of marriage; and
WHEREAS, Ted Williamson distinguished himself in his profession and by
his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, Ted Williamson, along with his father, Joseph, established
the Williamson Funeral Home on March 17, 1960, which is presently
located at 635 Main Street; and
WHEREAS, A life member of the New Hope Baptist Church, Ted Williamson
was an insurance consultant for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company,
and also held many properties in the Niagara Falls area; and
WHEREAS, Ted Williamson's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, This outstanding community and public servant was a member of
the Lions Club, NAACP, Niagara Community Center, Niagara Falls Transit
Authority, National Conference for Community Justice and various other
municipal and civic groups; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by one brother, Joseph Williamson, Jr. and two
sisters, Lucille Davis and Alberta Hawthorne, Ted Williamson is survived
by his wife, Gertrude "Trudy" Williamson; six children, Douglas (Caro-
lyn) Anderson, Tanya (Rourke) Moore, Lenore Jean Mulkey, Theodore D.
(Jennifer) Williamson, Jr., Michael A. (Yolanda) Williamson, Sr., and
Michelle Culver; one brother, William (Bennie) Williamson; and three
sisters, Thelma Cheatham, Barbara (Huey) Walker and Mary Baham; as well
as 14 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; and a host of other rela-
tives and friends; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Ted Williamson leaves
behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will
remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Theodore "Ted" Williamson, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Theodore "Ted" Williamson.