With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Jackie Lynn Williamson of Gonzales, TX.
What follows is written with love, by those who knew her best.
Jackie spent her working life as ['Gonzales'] — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
There are losses that teach us the weight of a life.
Jackie Lynn Whiddon Williamson, age 70, of Gonzales, Texas, passed away on May 4, 2026, during a brief hospital stay. She was the firstborn to Kenneth Plowman and Mary Jane Whiddon on May 7, 1955.
Jackie grew up in a close family alongside her sister, Kathy, her brothers Dell and Clayton, and many cousins. Her childhood was filled with hard work alongside her siblings, riding horses, fun times with school friends, while also learning from her mother how to cook, care for a home, and take pride in family life.
A woman of unwavering determination, Jackie pursued her education while raising her three young children. She attended Southwest Texas State University where she earned multiple Honor Society recognitions and then earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence from St. Mary's University. Her journey required tremendous sacrifice, but she never wavered in her devotion to her children, ensuring they were always cared for with deep love and attention.
Jackie built a respected legal career in Gonzales, practicing law for 37 years. As a family law attorney, she poured her heart into her clients, forming meaningful connections and advocating fiercely on their behalf. She also served as Gonzales City Attorney for many years and worked diligently in oil and gas law. Her work reflected both her sharp mind and her compassionate spirit.
She was known for being strong-willed and hardheaded, yet deeply loving-especially when it came to her children and grandchildren. Jackie gave selflessly throughout her life, including caring for her mother and brother during their terminal illnesses, always putting family before herself. She took pride in her appearance and was rarely seen without being beautifully put together.
Outside of her career, Jackie found joy in trail rides, weekends at the lake, cocktails and sunsets on her patio, and traveling. She kept an impeccable home, with a beautifully landscaped yard for all family and friends to enjoy. She hosted many weddings in her backyard. Affectionately known as Gammie to her grandchildren, she never turned down an opportunity to care for them, traveling any distance-even internationally-to babysit. She would adjust her work calendar to be a constant presence at their school events, sports, church activities, and birthdays. Her family knew they could always count on her for Opening Weekend at the camp house and every holiday. Jackie made Christmas especially magical for her children, and even trick-or-treating with her kids, nieces and nephews was a spooky fun, memorable event. In more recent years, she treasured peaceful Sundays with her partner Ronnie, her children and grandchildren, and special getaways with her sister.
She is survived by her father, Plowman Whiddon; her devoted partner, Ronnie Zella, who never left her side; her children, Jeffrey Scott Dolezal (Heather); Chris Ward Williamson (Akemi); and Kelli Jane Williamson Urrutia (Albert); as well as her bonus son, Travis Zella.
She is adored by her grandchildren: Mei Lynn Williamson, Lion Arthur Williamson, Hina Jane Williamson, Thomas Ward Barnick, Kimberly Nicole Dolezal, Mattie Jane Barnick, Ema Sue Williamson, Harua O'Dell Williamson, and bonus grandchildren Andrew Urrutia, Allison Urrutia, Madison Stamport, Emily Stamport, and Landon Zella. She is preceded in death by her mother, Mary Jane Whiddon, and her brother, Clayton Whiddon.
Jackie's life was defined by resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering love. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, devotion, and a family who will carry her memory forward in all they do.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home in Gonzales, Texas. A funeral service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 8, at the Episcopal Church of the Messiah in Gonzales with the Rev. Kara Leslie officiating. Pall bearers will be Lion Williamson, Thomas Barnick, Harua Williamson, J.D. Shelton, Jim Shelton, Jason Whiddon, and honorary pall bearers Andrew Urrutia and Landon Zella.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Pilgrim Cemetery Association at P.O. Box 302, Smiley, TX 78159. Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.
