Nikki Renee Williamson

Nikki Renee ( Bene Ross ) Williamson passed away peacefully on March 29th, 2024 in Fresno, Ca after a lengthy illness. Professionally she was known as Nikki, but family & friends called her by her nickname Bene.

Nikki Renee ( Bene ) Ross was born on May 29th, 1944 in Bakersfield, Ca to parents Ernest Reuben Ross and Muriel Adelaide Ernst Ross. She moved with her family to Fresno soon after and attended Fresno Schools, graduating from Fresno High in 1962.

She graduated from Fresno State in 1974 with a Teaching degree, setting off her lifelong dream of teaching for 35 plus years. She followed in the footsteps of her mother and maternal grandmother in the profession. Nikki was passionate about making a difference in her students lives, and taught in schools where many of the students were from disadvantaged homes. She truly made a lasting impression on so many of her students, keeping in touch with many.

Nikki married Frank Charles Williamson in 1967, and was married for 34 years until his passing in 2001.

Nikki also Was director of the Central Valley chapter of World Exchange for many years, connecting French Teenage students with local families through a summer immersion enrichment program. She was beloved by the students and families alike, forging lasting friendships with many of them. She also ran the local chapter of Get On the Bus, a Prison Ministry program run by the Catholic church, that connected incarcerated fathers with their children. Her passion for the disadvantaged was a constant throughout her Life.

She was a devoted member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. Naturally she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many years.

Family and friends and coworkers alike knew Nikki to be a fun & happy person with a great and memorable laugh. Bene loved to throw parties, with her Memorial Day weekend birthday bashes being legendary, including live bands, swimming, bbq and tons of people. She was Kind and generous to all.

She traveled extensively and gardened with delight. Her Greenthumb was renowned, as was her beautiful backyard.

Nikki was preceded in Death by her husband, Frank; and parents, Reuben and Muriel.

She is survived by her daughter, Tracy Allan and spouse Dave; son, Michael Williamson; son, Joseph Williamson and spouse Gina; step children, Jeff, Greg and Sheri Williamson; granddaughter, Eden Ferrer and spouse Lou; grandson, Spencer Gonzales and spouse Sonna; & grandsons, Frank and Vincent Williamson; great grandson, Jack Ferrer; great granddaughters, Mila & Emma Gonzales; sisters, Patricia Zobel and spouse Robert; Beverly Huggins and spouse Charles; Kelly Krikorian and spouse Brett; as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1084 W. Bullard Ave., Fresno, Ca on Friday April 19th @ 11am, with a reception to follow in the church hall. A private family burial will take place the following day.

If preferred to flowers, donations in Nikki (Bene’s) memory can be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church.