Nathie Williamson, 86,

Ms. Nathie Williamson, 86, passed away in Lakeland on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. Nathie was born in Carlton, Georgia on July 30, 1937, to parents Nathan and Maude (Lowery) Wells.

In 1956, she married Arthur Sumner, and the couple moved to Lakeland a few years later in 1958.

Arthur passed away in 1966, leaving Nathie to raise their four young daughters on her own. This was very challenging for Nathie, as she was still quite young herself and was raised during a time where the man of the household handled the families’ needs such as transportation and finances. Nathie did not know how to drive or anything about finances, as this was something Arthur oversaw. Determined to do whatever she had to do to raise her children in a happy and healthy environment, Nathie worked hard and persevered. She learned how to drive, completely self-taught, as well as how to handle finances. Instead of asking for help, she made many sacrifices, often at her own expense, and figured hardships out on her own.

Nathie was a dedicated, extraordinary mother. Her children were her entire world and came first in every chapter of Nathie’s life. Everything Nathie did was for children.
Nathie is preceded in death by her parents Nathan and Maude Wells; 4 brothers; 4 sisters; first husband Arthur; second husband Delbert Williamson; sons Bobby Sumner and Ray Sumner; daughter Mary Petty; and grandchildren Williams Buckner and Phillip Petty Jr.

She is survived by children Janice (Kenneth) Myers-Butts, Teresa Buckner, Judy Davis (Quinn Scarborough), Jeanette (Danny) Miller, Dewayne (Deanna) Williamson, and Andrew (Scott) Pardoe; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 20, 2023 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home, Serenity Gardens Chapel. A graveside service will take place the following day on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 10 a.m. at Socrum Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at Gentry Morrison Funeral Home.