BOSSIER CITY – Iona Williamson Lee, 86, passed away on February 14, 2014 in Bossier City, LA, with her family by her side. She was born on May 12, 1927 in Laurel, MS, to Robert Lemuel and Eunice Allen Williamson.
Iona was a very talented, articulate and intelligent individual who embarked on many a project. Her true love came about in 1980 with the venture of opening her very first shoe store, Claire’s Shoe Closet, in Monroe, LA. This business grew into ownership of 4 stores and lasting for over 15 years. Her favorite passion that she shared with her Husband, was their love of Yorkies and being successful “grandparents” to many.
She is survived by her husband, Bennon Lee; one brother Edward Williamson; daughters Carol George and husband Billy; Susan Ruona and husband Thomas; Jann Luker; Deda Richardson and partner Val Poche; sons Jeffery Lee and wife Sally; Mark Lee and partner Susan Colwell; grandchildren George Edwin Pearce, Jr. and wife Jessica; Robert Allen Pearce, Thomas Ruona, Jr. and wife Sarah, Terrance Ruona, Julie Ruona, Rachel Roberts, Reagan Roberts, Ramsey Roberts Sims and husband Brent, Alan Birkelbach and wife Renee, Emily Birkelbach Earnest and husband Gene, Peyton Birkelbach and wife Candyce, Lindsay Lee, William Bennon Lee, Shawn Lee and wife Allison, Christina Lee and Rebekah Green and husband Billy; Katrina Vining; and 16 great grandchildren.
Iona was preceded in death by her parents Robert Lemuel and Eunice Allen Williamson; two sisters Winnie Mason and Ruby Williamson; two brothers, LV and Marvin Williamson; children, Jerry Vining and Anthony Christen Lee; one son-in-law David Luker.
The family would like to thank all of Iona’s family of caregivers for the wonderful care and love given to her during her illness. Compassionate Care LLC; Gerald Johnson, Veronica, Chassidy, Demetria, Gloria, Elaine and special Grandchild KD. Life Path Hospice; Susie and Dayna.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Instead of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana, Inc., 8200 Hampson Street, Suite 425, New Orleans, LA 70118.
