Myra Allene Williamson
January 9, 1943 ~ December 22, 2020
Born in:
Franklin, NC
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Myra Allene Williamson, 77, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2020 at Mission Hospital. She was born in Macon County, North Carolina, on January 9, 1943 to parents John H. Williamson and Willie Mae Williamson.
She was a 1961 graduate of Franklin High School and earned a BA in English from Western Carolina University in 1965 and later a Masters in Guidance and Counseling from UNC-Charlotte.
She began her teaching career at Hendersonville High School in 1965 and later moved to Independence High School in Charlotte where she taught senior English for 20 years. The students appreciated her energy and enthusiasm in presenting the lesson material from Macbeth to Beowulf. In 1989, she was selected to be on the first English staff of Providence Senior High School. She served on numerous committees and was the yearbook advisor for several years. After 30 years of teaching high school English, she retired in 1995. She and her husband BJ moved to Asheville, NC, to be closer to her parents.
Allene and BJ spent many summers traveling in Europe. After his death in 2012, Allene continued traveling. She loved the Great River Cruises of Europe, particularly the Danube; the Adriatic Coast; Croatia; and the Greek Isles. The height of her travels came in 2017 with an extended trip to the Holy Land. She made many friendships on her travels. It was on one of these trips that she decided to use “Myra” as her name. She found it embarrassing and inconvenient that so many people couldn’t spell “Allene” or even pronounce it.
A member of Biltmore Church, Allene served on numerous volunteer groups, filling school bags in the fall or serving on the counting team every Monday morning. She also volunteered at St. Joe’s Hospital and Mission Hospital.
Allene loved people and developed many good and loyal friendships over the years. She usually had a full calendar of weekday lunch dates with her lady friends. She maintained a close relationship with a group of her high school classmates who live in or near Asheville. They liked to visit Allene and BJ’s house for socials during the Christmas season.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband BJ, and an infant sister Freda Mae Williamson. She is survived by her sister Sue W. Sams (Clay) of Charlotte, NC., several cousins, and a host of devoted friends, neighbors, and traveling acquaintances.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Lucas and the entire staff of Messino Cancer Center for their care and compassion over the past 3 years. Thanks also to the staff and doctors of Mission Hospital for their competent and dedicated care. Not least of all, we thank her amazing neighbors for their compassion and care in watching over her before and during her illness.
Because of the pandemic, no services are planned.
Memorial gifts may be made to: Biltmore Student Bible Project, Biltmore Church, 35 Clayton Road, Arden, NC 28704 or to The American Cancer Society, 120 Executive Park, Asheville, NC 28801.
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She was a good friend and a wonderful lady. I cherish the times spent volunteering with her at St. Joseph’s Hospital. She will be missed but not forgotten.
I was very blessed to have her as my Freshman English teacher her first year of teaching at Hendersonville High School! I remember what a beautiful young lady she was and what a fantastic teacher she was. I am so sorry to learn of her passing, but so thankful that her lengthy battle with cancer is over and that she is celebrating Christmas in Heaven with a perfect and healed body. My love, prayers and deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
Myra (Allene) one of the sweetest, kindest ladies I know. Always had a beautiful smile, always so positive, even when you could see pain in her eyes. Monday mornings at BC will not be the same
Really enjoyed reading about such a wonderful teacher, traveler , and sweet sister of Sue!
I knew Allene as a fellow staff member at Providence High School. She was a delight to work with and an exceptional teacher. Pictures in the gallery reminded me of her wonderful smile. She was a lovely lady who will be missed.
Sue, Our deepest condolence to you and Clay. Your sister is an example of a life well lived. Love you.
Christine & Robert
Myra; my friend, neighbor and luncheon buddy. She was a kind, positive, classy lady…Oh how I will miss her!
During our meal, I would listen to her share about the different places she traveled and live vicariously through her wonderful experiences! The last trip she had planned was the British Isles and had to reluctantly cancel but we would remind each other that the trip was going to be rescheduled. I wish she could share this last trip; it surely could not be described like any other voyage she embarked upon. It would be her very best story if she could tell it and I would listen so intently.
I would say to her now: “We’ll meet again dear friend and then we will have no need to journey any further for that will be the very best destination for us…see you soon, love you dearly”
Myra was truly a special friend of mine who made a very positive impact on my life. It was a pleasure to sit beside her on Monday mornings while we worked together as volunteers with BC. Also, she became a friend to my husband, Mike, and our teenage grandson, Brayden. We all enjoyed going out to breakfast after the early church service. Myra was a perfect role model who brought happiness and joy to anyone in her presence. We will miss you.
Sue I was shocked and saddened to hear of Allene’s passing. So many fond memories of school days and all the family reunions. My prayers are with you, I know how hard it is to lose that only sister, I’m still lost without Betty and it has been 7 years. May God give you comfort and strength in the days ahead. We never get to see each other often but just know I care and send my love to you.
Over the years I have often wondered about my favorite English teacher from Independence High School. Her energy, passion, and inspiration are why I became a middle and high school English teacher. I’m sorry to learn of her passing, and that I didn’t have the chance to say thank you.