Patricia "Patty" Wilhelmus Williamson

Patricia (Patty) Wilhelmus Williamson, 79, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday morning, September 7, with her son by her side following a courageous 2 1/2 year battle with pancreatic cancer. Patty was born on January 6, 1946, in Louisville but was raised in Vine Grove, KY. She was the only child of Margaret and Oswald H. Wilhelmus.

Patty graduated from North Hardin High School in 1964 before attending the University of Kentucky where she was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority and earned her bachelor’s degree in education in 1968. Following graduation and attending graduate school, she married her husband of 54 years, James (Jim) R. Williamson, and moved to Louisville in 1971. She and Jim were devoted parents to their two sons, Lance Oswald Williamson and James Justin Williamson.

Patty retired from a Jefferson County public school teaching career, but remained active in education as a substitute teacher in the independent school system. She was also active in the Louisville community through memberships in the Junior League, the Younger Woman’s Club, and the Woman’s Club of Louisville, the Louisville Bridge Club and Harmony Landing Country Club (now Big Spring Country Club).

Patty was a renowned bridge player, calling it “her sport.” She was active locally in multiple bridge groups and the Louisville club, but also competed in tournaments around the country with the likes of Bill Gates and Warren Buffet. She achieved the incredible honor of Life Master several years before her passing. She adored her “sport” and the friends that came with it, but everyone knew, if you were her partner you’d better bring your “A” game.

Patty will be remembered primarily for the incredible kindness she showed everyone she met and was unquestionably one of the best friends a person could ever ask for in life. Wherever Patty went, she made life-long friends and was known as the essence of kindness, empathy, intelligence, class, dignity, bravery and beauty. She remained close to all the friends she made over a lifetime and they were an inspiring and comforting presence throughout her life, but most of all in her battle with pancreatic cancer. Patty in turn inspired her friends through her courage and relentlessly positive and optimistic outlook even amidst the most dire circumstances. She was a treasure and an inspiration to all who knew her.

She was predeceased by her beloved son, Lance O. Williamson, her devoted husband, Jim, her parents, and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Barbara and Fontaine Banks.

Patty is survived by her son Justin Williamson, first cousins Judi Esterle of Ohio, Linda Scott, Sally Moore, Pete Keith, Mark (Lois Ann) Keith, and Sue Ferguson all of Pennsylvania, and nephews Robert (Stacey) Banks of Prospect, KY, and Fontaine “Chip” (Anne) Banks of Frankfort, KY, She is also survived by grandnephews Patrick (Katy) Banks of Fairfield, CT, Daniel (Kristen) Banks of Nashville, TN, Chase (Victoria) Forester of Louisville, and grandniece Betsy (Justin) Rainer of Orlando, FL. She also leaves behind numerous extended family and great-grand-nieces and nephews.

Patty’s legacy lives on through her incredible friends, her family, her mythic bridge prowess and the lasting memories she created with friends and family. She will be profoundly missed.

A Memorial Service will be held at 12 noon on Monday, September 15, 2025 at Christ Church United Methodist, 4614 Brownsboro Rd., with a reception to follow at 701 Blankenbaker Ln, Louisville, KY 40207. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Patty and Jim Williamson Endowment Fund at Louisville’s Waterfront Park, 129 River Rd., Louisville, KY 40202, attention Ashley Smith. Arrangements entrusted to Arch L. Heady & Son Funeral Home & Cremation Service.