Romaine Williamson Obituary – Death Notice and Service Information – Legacy.com
Romaine Carolyn Qualles Williamson was born in New Jersey at Walson Army
Hospital on Fort Dix N.J. on September 12, 1959. Romaine and her parents, John
P. Qualles and Carolyn E. Hamilton were lifelong proud Episcopalians. Growing up
in Browns Mills, New Jersey, she graduated from Pemberton Township High
School. She then went on to attend Douglass College at Rutgers University. After
graduation she moved to South Philadelphia and lived with her Aunt Lizzy while
working at a brokerage firm.
Romaine fell in love and married John Williamson in February of 1985 at the age
of 26. In December of 1986, Romaine gave birth to her first son, John Jr. Less than
4 years later, a daughter, Krista Elizabeth joined the growing family. Andrew
Tucker was born fifteen months later completing her cherished family.
After graduating from Douglass College, she earned a Master of Science Degree,
Early Childhood Education Leadership-Bank Street College, New York, NY. She
went on to work at Community Child-Care Solutions Child-Care Resource and
Referral Agency-Catholic Charities in Perth Amboy, NJ. She became a Senior
Trainer-Continuing Education for Adults in Early Care and Development. Romaine
worked at Essex County Community College, Newark NJ Adjunct Instructor for
Continuing Education Program. Romaine worked at St. Georges Avenue Child Care
Center, Linden NJ as Assistant Director, Head Teacher, Kindergarten Teacher.
Finally, Romaine ended her career as a teaching Assistant at Hilton Head Early
Childhood Center, Hilton Head Island, SC.
Romaine dedicated her life to early childhood education. She owned and
operated a childcare facility for over 10 years. This center attracted many lifelong
friends, and it was her distinct pleasure to watch her former students grow to
become accomplished members of the South Orange and Maplewood
community.
Romaine’s joys included reading and collecting books, travelling to South Africa,
the Caribbean, and Jamaica was her favorite destination. Romaine loved
gardening, planting flowers, and she was proud of her lemon tree bearing fruit.
Romaine was a great knitter and she loved sharing her gift with babies in
hospitals, and other handmade hats and quilts with loved ones. She also loved
Dodger, Doris and Fudgie the family pets.
Romaine fought a 12-year battle with Neuroendocrine Pancreatic Cancer, a slow
progressive non curable disease. She participated numerous clinical trials, which
will no doubt advance the survival rate. She considered Dr. Diana L. Reidy her
superstar runway model doctor. She is a brilliant compassionate person.
Romaine is survived by her husband of 37 years, John A. Williamson, three
children, John Jr. of Jersey City, N.J., Krista of Maplewood, N.J., Andrew of
Portland OR., and loving brother Michael S. Qualles. Daughter-in-law Christina E.
Williamson, Brothers-in-laws Jerry L. Williamson Sr., and Philip Lacy. Sisters-in-
laws Hazel Lloyd, Phyllis Coleman Lacy and Karen L. Williamson. Nieces, Jonai L.
Williamson, Turiya Clark, Asabi Niambi and nephews, Arnold Clark, Hashim Clark,
Jonathan Coleman, Jerry Williamson III and Marcus Williamson. Her lifelong
friends Kay and Jeanine Robinson, and a host of friends from Maplewood, South
Orange, and Hilton Head.