Noah Elmer Williamson

January 21, 1933 – March 25, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Noah E. Williamson, who left us on March 25, 2025, at the age of 92.  He was born on January 21, 1933, in Cerro Gardo, Arkansas, to Elmer and Mary (Irvan) Williamson. Noah lived a life of love, kindness, and devotion to his family and community.

During his senior year in high school, Noah joined the U.S. Navy and served his country for three years. He then went to work with his uncle, Henry Irvan, in Mt. Ida, Arkansas, where he met his soon-to-be bride. For 70 years, he shared a beautiful life with his beloved wife, Gayle (Jones) Williamson. Together they filled each place they called home with faith, laughter, and love. Noah was a devoted husband, wonderful father, and loyal friend to many.

After moving to Visalia, California, Noah had a long and fulfilling career in education, serving as a middle school teacher then an elementary school principal for Visalia Unified School District. During his time with VUSD, he was genuinely respected.by teachers, students, parents, and Administration. He felt his greatest achievement was playing an instrumental part in the implementation of district-wide reading programs that proved to be effective for primary-grade students, making their education journey more successful and enjoyable. Noah was passionate about helping students learn and grow, always believing in the power of education to change lives. His integrity was clear in every challenge he accepted.

Noah and Gayle were longtime members of the First Presbyterian Church of Visalia, and later Barr Memorial Presbyterian Church in Norman, Arkansas. Noah was quick to accept leadership roles; his faith in God ran deep, as did his sense of duty to his church.

Outside his career and church responsibilities, Noah found joy in his garden, where he could often be found tending to his plants with care. He had a wonderful sense of humor, delighting family and friends with jokes, or sometimes just plain silliness. Noah’s love, generosity, and laughter will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be deeply missed but not forgotten.

Noah was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Mary Melissa Williamson (Irvan), and his brother, Frank Williamson. He is survived by his wife, Gayle; their children, David (Lynette) Williamson of Visalia, CA; and Mary (Don McDowell) Xavier of Kailua Kona, HI; his brother Marvin (Sherry) Williamson of Tyler, TX; sisters June (Bill) Bush of Fayetteville, AR; and Margaret Wildey of Mt. Ida, AR; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Noah’s name to Barr Memorial Presbyterian Church in Norman, AR, honoring his devotion to faith and community.

Services will be held at Barr Memorial Presbyterian Church in Norman, Arkansas on April 26, at 11am. Refreshments at the church to follow.

Online condolences may be posted on www.ballardfamilymortuaries.com. Services provided by Ballard Family Mortuary-Kailua-Kona.