Dorothy Williamson

Dorothy Madison Donelson Williamson, age 92, of West Palm Beach, Florida died March 13, 2018 at her daughter’s home in the care of Hospice after a short illness.  Born in Boston in 1925 to Dr. Martin Donelson and Virginia Dance Donelson, she was a direct descendant of Colonel John Donelson, who in 1779 led the first party of pioneers over 900 miles from Virginia into Tennessee to settle what is now Nashville.  Her great-great aunt, Rachel Donelson, married President Andrew Jackson.  In 1947, Dorothy earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from the University of North Carolina and had gone on USO tours for various army camps.  In 1951, she received a Master’s Degree in Dance Education from Columbia University and also attended The Julliard School where she studied piano.  She taught music and dance for many years.  She is survived by her daughters, Rachel Bridge of Wellington, and Katherine and William Milam of Pembroke Pines, FL as well as her two granddaughters, Audrey Bridge and Hayley Milam.  She was predeceased by her husband, Rev. Elbert Williamson.  She recently resided at Brookdale Retirement Living, where she will be fondly remembered for playing the grand piano for many friends and staff.  Funeral Services will be held on March 17, 2018 at 12:45 p.m. at Tillman Funeral Home, 2170 South Military Trail, West Palm Beach, Florida.