Service honors former dean of religious life

Williamson, who served at the University from 1989 to 2001, died of heart failure in Baltimore on June 7, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 75.

“His warm spirit animates the chapel from day to day. He left each of us with so much to cherish,” current Dean of Religions Life Alison Boden said in her opening remarks. She praised Williamson for “his testimony and truthfulness.”

Boden shared Williamson’s impact on her own life with the attendees.

Williamson’s spirit of inclusivity allowed Boden, as a woman, to eventually ascend to the position of dean, she explained.

The service was composed of hymns, biblical readings and remarks from several speakers including Boden and the Rev. Sue Anne Morrow and Deborah Blanks, who both worked with Williamson.

Morrow, a former associate dean of religious life who gave the homily, recalled Williamson’s inclusivity, honesty and joyful spirit.

Williamson’s personal motto of “always rejoice” came from his favorite bible passage, Philippians 4:4-7, which reads, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.”

Morrow added that Williamson stayed true to this creed in his everyday life.

“He rejoiced in standing up for justice, reaching out to the LGBT community, the [Student Volunteers Council], the community of scholars,” she said. “His joy was hard-earned, a deep well-spring.”

Williamson stayed true to his personal motto during challenging times.

Even after the death of his son Clayton and after he and his wife were both diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Williamson did not succumb to darkness, Morrow said.

In her closing remarks, Blanks gave thanks for Williamson’s contributions to the University.

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“We give thanks for the times of happiness and grace, for his prophetic voice, his inclusivity and his vulnerability,” she said. “His life was a holy offering.”

A number of alumni who had sung in the Chapel Choir under Williamson were in attendance as well.

Natalie Deffenbaugh ’02 read the poem “Try to Praise the Mutilated World” by Adam Zagajewski in tribute.

Michele Angrist GS ’95, whose wedding service was officiated by Williamson, remembered the former dean as a father figure.

“He was a great man. He will be mourned and missed,” she said.

Prior to coming to the University in 1989, Williamson served as a pastor and co-pastor at the federated Presbyterian and at the Congregationalist Church of the Covenant in Boston.

He was also a pastor at the Plymouth Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, in Seattle. From 1973 to 1983, he served on the faculty of Boston University.