Cornelia D. Williamson

Cornelia "Connie" Douglas Williamson, 69, of Hopewell, died Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010, at home surrounded by her family after a lengthy illness.

She was born on May 11, 1941, in Hopewell and was a lifelong resident of the city. She was a graduate of the class of 1959 at Hopewell High School, received her bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Richmond in 1962, and received her master's degree in education from Virginia State University in 1988.

Connie and her husband Bill Williamson were childhood friends and high school sweethearts. They were married on Aug. 25, 1962, and remained best friends until her passing.

Connie was an elementary school teacher for her entire professional career, a veteran of 41 years in the Hopewell and Prince George County public school systems. She concentrated on reading education, teaching Title 1 Reading Recovery and was named the Richmond Area Reading Council Reading Teacher of the Year. She served the schools in a variety of other capacities, including work on school accreditation committees and work as a grade level chairman. She was twice the recipient of Service Awards from the Hopewell School Board. Outside of teaching, her passions later in life included work with the Woman's Club of Hopewell, the John Randolph Foundation, the Historic Hopewell Foundation and others. At other times, she was active in volunteer activities related to her children, including work with the Cub Scouts and the Hopewell High School band. She loved to play the piano and was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Hopewell.

Connie is survived by her husband; two sons, Christopher Mark (Michele) of Sterling, Va., and Scott Patrick (Dawn) of Chester, Va.; as well as four beloved grandchildren, Mallory, Ryan, Rebecca and Abby. She was pre-deceased in death by her parents, Hugh Benton and Cornelia Douglas; her brother, Hugh Benton; and a son, Michael Scott.

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Hopewell at 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 11. The service will be officiated by Dr. Michael Browder and will be followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall at FUMC. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, it would be a great honor to Connie for contributions to be made to the First United Methodist Church or to the Connie Williamson Scholarship Fund c/o The John Randolph Foundation, P.O. Box 1606, Hopewell, Va. Please add your condolences at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/connie_williamson/guestbook.