Lizzie Chadwick Williamson 1851-1918

In May of 1918, J.M. Carawan submitted to the Primitive Baptist Association's semi-monthly newsletter about the death of Elizabeth "Lizzie" Williamson. Lizzie is great grandmother of Shirley Williamson Ireland and great great great grandmother of my daughter Alison Beacham.  She, along with her husband Lewis Tull Williamson are buried in the McGowan Cemetery in Lowland.  Below are J.M. Carawan's remarks concerning her death.

     Upon request of the bereaved husband, in my weak way, I will attempt to write a few words in memory of our dear sister in Christ, Mrs. Lizzie WILLIAMSON. She was born on March 6, 1851 and departed this life March 4, 1918, making her stay on earth two days less than 67 years. Her childhood days were spent during the cruel civil war, when opportunities did not visit every one's door. But while very young she married Greene Caraway [Carawan] who was a school teacher, and she went to school to him and obtained some learning.
      After the birth of two children her husband died leaving her to live a widow's life for a few years. She was then married on January 2, 1879 to L.T. Williamson, with whom she lived until her death. He also had two children which she helped to raise to her credit. To this union seven children were born who are all living and mourning the loss of their mother. About the date 1898, she united with the Primitive Baptist church at Goose Creek Island. She lived a faithful member until death, always filling her place and answering to her name unless providentially hindered, also visiting the homes and inquiring after the welfare of the members, and never being any more happy than when talking of the goodness and mercies of the Lord or singing songs in His praise. How she did enjoy to hear Jesus proclaimed from the pulpit and the communion of the Saints!     
     There was never any trouble brought against her in the church. She was a peacemaker, rather than a peace breaker. Her words of counsel were always laden with love and tenderness rather than reproach. To know her was to love her as a Christian. She bore her suffering in a Christian manner, never complaining at, nor doubting the justice of her God, confident He would put no more on her than she was able to bear. She saw much trouble all her days and did much suffering during her last few years on earth. But we were led to believe that all her suffering ended at the grave and that it is now her happy lot to rejoice around the throne of the Lord. "Oh, death, where is thy sting? Oh, grave where is thy victory?"
     All was done for her that skilled physicians and loving hands of relatives and friends could do, but the Lord needed her and he called her away to Himself. It is our part to submit and say, "His will be done." No earthly power can stay the scythe of the grim reaper--death. She was conscious of her condition through to the last moment, asking her children and friends not to mourn over her. While we know it is all well with her, in our weakness we have to yield to the flesh. She passed away without a struggle, the cold icy hand having gradually closed its clutches about her body. But we triumph in the fact that he cannot reach the immortal soul. 
     The writer visited her a few days before her death. Her testimony was clear, convincing and undaunted.
"She knew in whom she believed and was persuaded that He was able to keep her against that day." The testimony of all who knew her confirm the belief that she lived a true Christian life and died a triumphant death in the faith of her Lord. Truly, it may be said of her, "She wrought well and died in the hope of a blissful immortality." At the grave our loss was mourned by a host of relatives and friends. After a few words of comfort to the bereaved and mourning ones by our beloved Brother, James Potter, we gently laid her in the little grave, there to await the resurrection, when God will call her forth, clothed in that queenly robe and in that triumphant state, to sing praises around His great white throne forever and forever. 
    To all who ministered to her comfort, loaned a helping hand, or inquired for her welfare during her sickness, death and burial, the relatives wish to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation. May the Lord direct us in the right way and enable us to walk therein. May He enable us to put our trust in Him and submit to His will and carry us safely home with our loved ones and all the redeemed.

[signed] Your brother in hope, J. M. Carawan

(Zion's Landmark - Primitive Baptist semi-monthly published in Wilson, N.C) - May 1, 1918) [Kindly submitted by Kathryn B. "Kitty" Humphries.]

Notes from John McGowan: The husband of Lizzie (Chadwick) Carawan Williamson was James Green Carawan (1840-1875), son of Mannan Carawan and 2^nd wife Rebecca McGowan. He was a brother of William Alpheus Carawan.  James Green Carawan married Mary Elizabeth "Lizzie" Chadwick (1851-1918), d/o Southey Chadwick and Ellen Thomas. Ellen was married 2^nd to Sylvester McGowan and she is buried in the McGowan Cemetery in Lowlands.  James G. & Lizzie Carawan had a daughter, Green Annah "Greenie" Carawan who married Robinson "Babe" Ireland.  After James G. died c. 1875, Lizzie married Lewis Tull Williamson (1851-1932). His first wife had been Martha Spencer, d/o John Spencer and Caroline McGowan (d/o Isaac McGowan & Dorcas Carawan).

Reprinted from the Hyde County GenWeb Project
http://www.ncgenweb.us/hyde/HYDE.HTM