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Dorothy McGuire Williamson
Dorothy McGuire Williamson
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Dorothy Williamson Obituary
Williamson died Friday at her son's home in the Phoenix suburb of Paradise Valley, daughter-in-law Karen Williamson said. She had Parkinson's disease and age-related dementia.
The McGuire Sisters earned six gold records for hits including 1954's "Sincerely" and 1957's "Sugartime." The sisters were known for their sweet harmonies and identical hairdos and outfits.
They began singing together as children at their mother's Ohio church and then performed at weddings and church revivals. They got their big break on the show "Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts" in 1952 where they continued to perform for seven years.
The group made numerous appearances on television and toured into the late 1960s, making a last performance together on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in 196 8. Dorothy stepped back to raise her two sons, Williamson said. Christine also raised a family while Phyllis pursued a solo career, according to a 1986 profile in People Magazine after the trio reunited and began doing nightclub and Las Vegas performances again.
The sisters last performed together in the mid-2000s, and are featured on a 2004 PBS show called "Magic Moments - Best of 50s Pop."
"They were a talent at a time when you had to have talent - it couldn't be done as it is now," said Williamson, who is married to McGuire's son, Rex. "Truly, their harmonies were some of the best and God-given and they always knew that and never took that for granted."
The group performed for five presidents and Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. They were inducted into the National Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2001.
Christine and Phyllis, 86 and 81 respectively, live in Las Vegas.
"They were just hard working profes sionals and they took every aspect of their career very, very seriously," Williamson said of the sisters. "And when they put on a show you were going to get a great, great show."
McGuire was married for 53 years to Lowell Williamson, a wealthy oilman. The couple had two sons, Rex and David.
In addition to her husband and sons, she is survived by two step-children and nine grandchildren.
A memorial service is set for Sept. 15 at Valley Presbyterian Church in Paradise Valley.
BOB CHRISTIE,Associated Press
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
209 Entries
Andre Blouin from Canada
November 17, 2023
I am not a relative, just great lover , admirer,of these 3 beautifull girls signing with all their talent and their Hearts!
Love them soo much back then and still today. Dorothee continu to sing with the angels in paradise.
You will always be in my memory and my heart!
Sharon Sharp
March 12, 2013
Dear Dorothy`s Family, Your wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, great grandmother and great aunt was a part of my memory as a little girl. I remember her shyness and her beautiful big eyes as she and her sisters appeared on Arthur Godfrey`s show. The Mcguire Sisters were "wholesome" and little girls everywhere would marvel and sing along with "Sugartime." My sisters and I would form our adolescent trio and try to harmonize like the "Mcguire Sisters." My Mama and I watched T.J. Lebinski`s PBS tribute last night and we thoroughly enjoyed seeing Dorothy, Christine and Phyllis perform their last time for the public. Please know how important their music was and is to so many. Dorothy will always live in our hearts!
September 30, 2012
I am so sorry to hear about Dorothy's passing. My deepest sympathy to Lowell, Christine, Phyllis and family. I am a fan, but Dorothy always made me feel like a friend. She was the best, one of a kind.
I will never forget her!
Vera and Jack (new jersey)
How you can show support
Rich Haas
September 24, 2012
She was my song bird when I was growing up. RIP
alma perdue
September 24, 2012
Angel singing in heaven
debora
September 22, 2012
She's a angle in heaven
debora
September 22, 2012
She's a angle in heaven
Barbra Gray
September 22, 2012
She brought a lot of talent to which the general public has enjoyed for years. A great loss but our love of music never will forget her.
Angela Patterson
September 22, 2012
u will always b remembered
Mark
September 21, 2012
The years of joy and peace given through the music still warm my heart. May God bless and keep you dear Dorothy.
September 21, 2012
Your Anderson College friends have fond memories of both Lowell and Dorothy. Our prayers are with you. Charlsye Pyle (sister of Don Pyle)
September 20, 2012
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. the bible can be of some comfort at john 17 3
Barbara Russell
September 19, 2012
My deep condolences to Lowell, Christine and Phyllis. I worked with and for Dorothy and Lowell in Scottsdale for 3 years and she was a lovely, talented, and gracious Christian woman.
September 19, 2012
Dear Mr. Williams:
I was saddened to read of Dorothy's passing. What beautiful music she and her sisters made!
JoAnn McNair Lindsey
September 19, 2012
As bright and warm as the attached candle glows so did the music this beautiful woman and her sisters brought to our ears and hearts.... Heaven is rejoicing with its newest member singing sweet harmonies with Angles on High.
September 18, 2012
such great music
Narada Walden
September 18, 2012
What a Bright Star!
Raymond
September 17, 2012
I cried my eyes out when I heard of Dorothy McGuires Passing. She was an ANGEL from HEAVEN above. When I was going to grade school back in the l950s I heard the Mc Guire Sisters harmonize and do all their big hits Sugar Time SINCERELY Picnic. Good Night Sweet Heart and I was going to Catholic studies to receive my first holy communion. When I heard the Mc Guires I heard the sound of Music like Heaven Above. They nailed that sound right of the MARK. I bought all their records on Coral and went in to viny record shops to buy their records. Now ladies and gentlemen the MC GUIRES will always go down in history like the Andrew Sisters. They HAD it. You either have that BLEND that ANGELIC GOD GIVEN TALENT BLEND. I could listen to their records around the clock 24 hours a day and never ever get tired of them. Our DOROTHY is in heaven looking down. I loved her from the START and love all the Mc Guire SISTERS. GOD BLESS YOU DOROTHY AND THANK YOU FOR ALL THE GREAT MEMORIES you and your sisters provides us. May GOD keep you in His hands. Love you Dorothy forever and ever.
September 17, 2012
One of the greatest singing groups ! Harmony was beautiful .
Carol
Maureen tocchio
September 17, 2012
Dear Christine and Phyllis,
I was so saddened to hear of Dorothy's passing. As a young girl I had all of your paperdolls, I have every recording you great gals have recorded.
You were all so sweet and beautiful
God Bless Dorothy.
Maureen P. Tocchio
Quincy, Ma
September 17, 2012
Rest in Peace
Tom Happ
September 17, 2012
So many memories. Such a quality group! I was a child during their heyday but remember those beautiful harmonies that my mom and I listened to on Godfrey's radio show. RIP!
Laurie montalvo
September 17, 2012
Rest in heaven
Jan Bailey
September 16, 2012
The music of the McGuire sisters was magical to me growing up in the 50's and 60's and whenever I hear it I am transported back in time. Thank you, Dorothy, for your beautiful voice and persona.
September 16, 2012
Truly God-given talent for these lovely sisters. She will be missed.
Robert Lee
September 16, 2012
Dear Williamson Family,
I would like to express my sincere condolences on the passing of your dear family member. Dorothy left this world having given so many of us countless years of entertainment and joy. I was one of her biggest fans when I was a small boy and my admiration for her never flagged over the succeeding years. She was one very special lady and I will miss her tremendously. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you and I hope they will be a source of comfort in the coming days.
Braulio Moreno
September 15, 2012
To the Williamson Family,( Mister )I'm going to miss Dorothy very much,she will always be in my prays.
Braulio
Daniel Hernandez SR.
September 15, 2012
To The Williamson Family ( Mister & Rex )
With all our Prayers and condolences to your family.
from the Hernandez family (Daniel jr.).
Robert D. Hullinger
September 15, 2012
I am sorry for your loss. I feel priviledged to have grown up knowing Dorothy and the Williamson Family. Robert Hullinger,Phx AZ
September 14, 2012
The Anderson University Wind Ensemble sends our prayers and condolences to your family. Her spirit and generosity were greatly appreciated.
Nancy Higgins
September 14, 2012
So sorry for your loss. I grew up listening to their music. It was wonderful! I still like listening to those wonderful songs. With a voice like hers, heaven will be in such awe, even the angels will be dancing!
Mike Bolchalk and Robyn Frey
September 14, 2012
Dave and Rex,
With great sympathy for the loss of your mother.
September 14, 2012
The McGuire sisters have been amazing in their music and ministry. Betty and I send our condolences and prayers for all of you. Jim Albrecht - Anderson, IN
Thomas Pappas
September 14, 2012
Lowell:
We both experienced the beautiful music provided by Dorothy and the McGuire Sisters. Heaven has gained a magnificent and angelic voice. Blessings and comfort to your family. Dr. Thomas Nicholas Pappas & Dr. Gloria Constantine Pappas. Portland, Oregon
Clayton & Merle Shankland
September 13, 2012
Dear Lowell & Family,
We loved Dorothy's music.
We enjoyed her friendship.
We will miss her very much.
Trisha McGuire
September 13, 2012
We were so sorry to hear about your loss... and ours. Many years ago my parents attended a McGuire Sister's show and brought an autographed picture back for my sister and I. It was signed "To the McGuire Sisters From the McGuire Sisters". We are not related, but it was very special to us.
Jerry &Thelma Parr
September 13, 2012
Lowell & David
Our deepest condolences , Words cannot express our sorrow . God Bless.
Jeanne Graydon
September 13, 2012
My deepest condolences to Rex, his father and brother, and their extended family. Your mother's voice will always live on in you and a whole new generation is enjoying the music she and her sisters recorded.
Jill & Lee Weiss
September 12, 2012
Lowell:
We are saddened by the loss of your lovely Dorothy---she always had a regal look about her when we encountered both of you dining at Pasta Brioni's. May your wonderful memories be a comfort to you and your family.
Jill & Lee Weiss
September 12, 2012
I offer my deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. I hope that you will find God is a source of true strength and is willing to help us cope when we are faced with the sorrow of losing our loved one. Psalms 46:1. Gail ~ Alabama
Ellen
September 12, 2012
My condolences to her family and her sisters. I watch all the PBS shows..I will see them a little bit differently now. 'Sincerely', Ellen
John Hughes
September 12, 2012
I got a 78RPM record of "Sugartime" in 1958 at age 5. It began my lifelong enjoyment of the McGuire Sisters' music. By age 11, I had all of their albums. I was thrilled to meet them in person in 1986 when they appeared here in Toronto, sounding as great as ever. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Betty Fowler
September 12, 2012
09/12/2012
My deepest sympathy and prayers are with the McGuire Williamson family. Dorothy is asleep waiting for her name to be called and she will wake up and come out. In a short while you will see your loved one again. John.11:43,44)
Evette
September 12, 2012
May the God of all comfort and peace be with Dorothy family.May her fond memories stay close to your heart.
September 12, 2012
The group was the greatest of all. Peace be to you Dorothy and God Bless. An angel in heaven. NJ
Barb
September 12, 2012
Family and friends of Dorothy Mcguire Williamson please find comfort in God's inspired word the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16).
Peter Wetzelaer
September 11, 2012
I enjoyed your talent. I remember dancing to your sister's songs at Rhoades on the Pawtuxet in the late fifties...May you sing like an angel until the end of time...
Marilyn
September 11, 2012
My heart felt sympathy to all the family. I have loved the McGuire Sisters and their music all my life. I watch faithfully when they are featured on PBS now also. Thank you for sharing your Mom with us all these years. May God give you comfort in the days to follow.
Lorraine
September 11, 2012
I was born in 1950....Remember you guys well with your beautiful songs.....Beautiful memories of the past.....RIP.
Parson Parson
September 11, 2012
At the end of each life is a legacy of love. My deepest condolence to the family and friends.As the days and weeks pass and as you return to life routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of God, family and friend James 4:8 Draw close to God and he will draw close to you
September 11, 2012
I'm so sorry for the loss of Dorothy.I'll keep all of you in my prayers.
September 11, 2012
An absolutely beautiful lady, with an absolutely beautiful voice. "MAY YOU ALWAYS" will forever be one of my favorite songs. Heaven has another star, a brilliant one!
Linn Ruff
September 11, 2012
You will be greatly missed Dorothy. You girls brought so much love in to many homes around the world, but now, you can sure sing like the angel you are in Gods, holy city. Bless, phyllis and christine, thanks for the memories!! R I P!! Amen
September 11, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. I was young in the 60's but always enjoyed the McGuire Sisters. God Bless.
Thomas Anthony
September 11, 2012
Lowell -- I am so sorry for your loss. She will always be remembered. I will always remember the time when I had lunch with all three sisters at the Country Club. It felt like I was on top of the world to be with such wonderful ladies. God bless.
Daphne Blackwelder
September 11, 2012
I always enjoyed the beautiful harmony that Dorothy and her sisters shared with the world. Truly a gift from God.
Helen Curitn
September 11, 2012
Our heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers to the Williamson and McGuire Familie on the passing of Dorothy.
I grew up in New York and often had the splendid opportunity of seeing the McGuire Sisters on stage. My girlfiend and I even became fans of the McGuire Sisters Fan Club. They were and are the greatest. Later on as I became a dj, I played several of their great tunes on my show. My listeners often called and thanked me for featuring them on radio
Thank God for the McGuire Sisers. You were and always will be my favorite. I have all the songs you ever recorded and I am very grateful for that. Dorothy, may you rest in peace with the choirs of angels and the Lord. You will be missed. Christine and Phyllis, we thank you and love you also. God Bless
September 11, 2012
You were great. Now you can sing in Heaven.
September 11, 2012
Our condolences to the family. We were pretty young in the fifties, but the older ones listened to the music. Now everyone knows it. In fact the older the better. What they call music today is just awful. Dorothy and her sisters could really sing. Deepest Sympathy
Glen Hausfeld
September 11, 2012
Peace to the family and friendS.
MUBO
September 11, 2012
Much sympathy to Dorothy's family, especially to her sisters Christine and Phyllis, whom she made all of those wonderful recordings with, traveled with, and shared the stage with. So sorry that the sisters won't be together anymore and won't be able to sing together, even just among themselves. It was great to see them on PBS. I have a stack of orange "CORAL" 45's of all of their great hits which I play religiously. The McGuire Sisters did such beautiful songs!! My favorites are "Muskrat Ramble", "Picnic" and "Blue Room", but there are so many other timeless hits like "Sugartime", "Sincerely", "Moonglow", "Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight", "Something's Gotta Give", "He", "Weary Blues", "May You Always", and "Just For Old Times Sake". And it's always a joy for me to play the 45 of "Christmas Alphabet" at Christmas time. What beautiful harmonies and wholesome music! Thanks so much Phyllis and Christine!! I wish that I were alive when all of these wonderful songs were playing on the air, and I would have loved to see them perform in person back in the 50's. What a great time that must have been to be alive. Thanks for all of the wonderful memories on all of those "CORAL" 45's and LPs.
Larry Knight
September 11, 2012
I always enjoyed the McGuires, who always sounded professionally. Wish popular music was available on airwaves again. The singing sisters were always appreciated.
Bobby Rhodes
September 11, 2012
As a little boy in the 50s I suffered a mad crush on you. Today the sight of you still takes my breath away...
John Budzinski
September 11, 2012
Growing up in the 1950's, I fondly remember the beautiful voices of the McGuire Sisters. This was a golden era of music.....my deepest sympathy to her sisters and her family....she will be truly missed but her music will go on! Sincerest sumpathy, John Budzinski, Wallington, NJ
JENNY DUVALL-FIERRO
September 11, 2012
My Parents loved the MCGUIRE SISTERS. We always had music in our home. Mom belonged to a Record Club and always kept up with the best music. I grew to love the same music as a little girl in the 50's & 60's.I am so appreciative for that experience. I last saw the MCGUIRE SISTERS on PBS. They were still as beautiful as ever, and harminized like magic. Thank you Dorothy...for all the years of joy you gave to my family, and for the music you left us. God Bless you Dorothy...
Becky Leis Bruno
September 11, 2012
Thanks for all the beautiful memories and music. I am from Miamisburg and always enjoyed watching you three girls as a small child and as I grew up. I loved seeing the beautiful clothes you would wear on tv. My Mom always sang your songs and now I sing my favorite "Sugartime" to my little grandaughter Brooke. She loves it and just giggles. Mom said she would see the girls walking around the Burg. Dorthy was gorgeous and always looked perfect. She will be missed and so will her music. I had 2 sisters and relatives used to call us the "McGuire Sisters" when we would sing. May your love and memories get you through this difficult time.I think of you singing everytime I go back to Miamisburg, Ohio and pass your beautiful brick home.
Kay Pacheco
September 11, 2012
I am 75 years old and the McGuire Sisters were one of my all-time favorite groups. She will be missed, but never forgotten.
Rocky Scirocco
September 11, 2012
To the family. Another Golden Voice is Gone. Sing with the Angels. Rest in peace. Rocky and Linda-Fan Scirocco
Andy
September 11, 2012
Their most beautiful song was "Picnic", from the movie of the same name. So poignantly escapist and brimful with longing and nostalgia, it's almost unbearable to listen to.
Thank you, Dorothy, for being part of the most wonderful singing group as you all eased us through our teen-aged years with your more than perfect singing. Condolences to your family and to all who loved you.
Shalom!
September 11, 2012
Gene DeRiso
Such a great loss her talent and her sisters will be greatly missed! Rest in peace you deserve it!
Tim Poole
September 11, 2012
Such beauty,talent and grace. Your mother will live on in her music and memories.
Barbara and Beverly Bretzing
September 11, 2012
My sister and I loved listening and singing to the music of the McGuire sisters. Our favorite Christmas song was "The Littlest Angel" and contempory song, "Blue Skies"....what an arrangement that was.....three beautiful ladies with great, God given talent and so willing to share it with the world.....we will miss Dorothy but the Heavens are singing with her now.
Alan Scott
September 11, 2012
Thanks for the great music. My parents loved the sisters' music and as a kid growing up in the 50's and 60's I followed right along. I love all the music of that era. The sisters singing group will be missed but thank God we can listen to their songs forever. Prayers to the family. Be Blessed because your music blessed our generation. Thanks.
Pam Dooley
September 11, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. The McGuire sisters sang at my grandmother's funeral - Lillian Moore. She and your mother knew each other well.
Adrian & Tish Alcala
September 11, 2012
The music that you and your sisters provided back in the day, will forever be your etched in the hearts of many. God bless you on your journey.
RK
September 11, 2012
That was an era when music was music, no screaming or showing off body parts just beautiful classy ladies who sang like angels they were so talented they did not have to go on stage half naked to get attention.they will be missed
September 11, 2012
GOD BLESS HER,SHE AND HER SISTER WERE THE BEST FEMALE GROUP IN MODERN TIMES.
Adrian Barnette
September 11, 2012
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Terry Alyce Strandquest Wynne
September 10, 2012
I loved the McGuire Sisters as a child, as did my parents. I used to draw pictures of them and my mom could actually tell me which was which. I thought they were all so pretty and loves their dresses and you sang like angels. My favorite was Sugartime, as my mom used to sing it around the house and of course me and my sisters would sing along. I am so sorry to hear that she has left us. May God Bless Your Families and Give You Peace. A longtime fan!
Bennie and Cheryl James
September 10, 2012
Celebrate a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
D. Calkins
September 10, 2012
I grew up listening to, and singing along with the Sisters. My sincerest con-
dolences on Dorothy's passing.
Marlene Pettit
September 10, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
September 10, 2012
The McGuire Sisters brought so much joy to so many people - I am so sorry for your loss of Dorothy - Marilyn Zeller (Mesa, Az, formerly Joliet, Il)
September 10, 2012
As I was growing up in Atlanta the McGuire sisters were a favorite. Sincerely was my special song. Prayers to the Williamson family and thanks for sharing Dorothy with us. Gayle
Rich Foley
September 10, 2012
The McGuire Sisters visited the Harris-Seybold Company in Dayton years ago. God Bless.
Shelley Shonkwiler
September 10, 2012
I had the privilege of hearing the Sisters at the Sundome in about 1989 or 1990. I recently enjoyed the 2004 PBS special on the McGuire Sisters (on YouTube) and would recommend it to everyone who is a fan; and it looks as if Dorothy had many fans.
My most sincere sympathy goes out to the Williamson family. I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your wife, Mr. Williamson, and your mother, Rex and David.
September 10, 2012
My sincere condolences to the Williamson and McGuire families on your loss of Dorothy. There is comfort in prayer. Psalms 65:2
Don Furlow
September 10, 2012
Just another Middletonian who loved your music back in the 50's and I still do. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Erika jelitto
September 10, 2012
My Husband and I just loved listening to that wonderful sound of Harmony the McGuire Sisters knew how to perform.There just is no comparison with todays "Music" if you can call it that.Our condolances to all her loved ones.
Helen Wittkop
September 10, 2012
Dear Cousin Lowell and Sons. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your wife. My mother was a Weaver from North Baltimore, OH and she was related to your Father Daryl. My family and I attended many church services when he had the small church just north of Dover, Ohio. We went out to eat with Daryl and Irma many times in either Dover or New Philadelphia, OH. I am 86 years of age and live in Monroe, MI with my husband Jerry and son Greg. Thanks for this oppertunity to connect with you in this very profund time in all your lives. GOD BLESS!
September 10, 2012
She has made a record for herself and is in God's memory. May her memories bring you peace.
Faith Tobin
September 10, 2012
Dear MCGUIRE Family hello there my name is Faith Tobin and I'm sorry for your'e loss.she'll absolutely be missed very much.
Gail
September 10, 2012
Always loved listening to the McGuire sisters. Takes me back to my late childhood. She is singing in the Lord's choir now! Blessings and peace to the extended family.
LEON BUCZYNSKI JR
September 10, 2012
THE MCGUIRE SIDTERS WERE THE BEST, MAY GOD BLESS DOROTHY AND HER FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF NEED, LEON BUCZYNSKI JR.
B EPLEY
September 10, 2012
I GREW UP WITH THE MCGUIRE SISTERS . THEY WERE ONE OF MY FAVORITES . REST IN PEACE MISS DOROTHY NOW YOU CAN SING TO THE LORD . MUCH SYMPATHY TO YOUR FAMILY .
September 10, 2012
Loved to hear the girls sing. "Sincerely" was just the best. I started out in the Church of God too, so I remember them always singing. My deepest sympathy, Louise
Bill and Rosalie Becker
September 10, 2012
We all enjoyed your singing -- you brought happiness in millions of people from your church in Ohio to the television sets our homes. Thanks for your great career. We'll miss you!
bill and Rosalie Becker
Diane Litsey
September 10, 2012
My condolences to the family. I remember growing up and hearing about the McGuire Sisters from my mother, she sang too.. in church with them, Marion Worrell
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