Dolores Williamson

Dolores Lorraine Farris-Williamson, 81, of Topeka, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on January 29, 1928 in Greenwood, KS, the daughter of Clifford and Dorothy H. Reed Farris. She graduated from Ottawa High School in 1946. After graduation, she became a dental assistant. She has resided in Topeka since 1948. Dolores was employed by U.S.D. 501 as a Junior High School Secretary for Holliday and Crane. She was instrumental in helping to open Jardine Junior High School and retired from there in 1978. She was a member of the Artists Association of Topeka and the Kaw Valley Woodcarvers where she was the editor and publisher for their newsletter. She participated with the Woodcarvers in the Festival of Trees event for 29 years. Dolores loved carving, cooking, interior decorating, designing and sewing clothing, camping and photography. Dolores married Dale R. Williamson on June 8, 1948 in Ottawa. He survives. Other survivors include two daughters, Brenda L. Simpson of Topeka, Carol E. Roberts of Holton, three grandchildren, Mike and Heath Simpson, Tina Hill, four great-grandchildren, Levi, Page, Cole and Dorian, one sister, Betsy J. Page of Lamar, MO and two brothers, Richard Farris and Gary Farris both of Alto, NM. Dolores was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Donald and her daughter, Janis Kay Workman. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel. Graveside inurnment services will follow at 2:00 p.m. in Rock Creek Township Cemetery in Waverly, KS. Memorial contributions may be given in memory of Dolores and her daughter, Janis, to the KSU Cancer Center, 1 Chalmers Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506.