Obit: Williams, Credessa A. (1933 – 2009)

Contact: Dolores

Surnames: Williams, Tomlin, Adams, Leigh, Rigde, Bagby, Jury

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI.) June 24, 2009

Williams, Credessa A. “Bennie” (25 August 1933 – 16 June 2009) With Flag

Credessa A. “Bennie” Williams, 75, of Black River Falls, died later Tuesday evening, June 16, 2009, at Sacred Heart Hospital, Eau Claire.

Credessa was born Aug. 25, 1933, in Black River Falls to David and Goldie (Tomlin) Williams. She was raised at Hawk Island, near Black River Falls, and graduated from Black River Falls High School.

Shortly after her high school graduation, Credessa enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps.  She served in the Army during the Korean War and the Vietnam War eras.  At the time of her discharge and retirement from the Army after more than 20 years of service, Credessa was a sergeant first class. She received both the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.

Following her retirement, Credessa returned to the family farm on Hawk Island, where she engaged in light farming.  She enjoyed raising cattle, pigs, goats, dogs, chickens, rabbits, ducks, geese, turkeys, and exotic birds (peafowl, pheasants and Guinea hens).

She was also a prolific and talented writer and often wrote about her various farm animals and pets. Credessa had her articles published in Wisconsin Magazine and in “Minerva, a Quarterly Report on Women in The Military” as well as in local newspapers. She also wrote a book, “A Place Where Rabbits Dance” (a collection of Native American legends and stories about the Black River Country as well as a booklet entitled “Rhymes of a Birch Tree Planter” (a collection of her poems).

She was a member of the Wisconsin Writers Club.

Survivors include a sister, Gertrude Williams of Chicago; a niece, Aurora Adams; nephews, Michael Leigh and Gregory Williams; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, David and Goldie Williams; a sister, Sebell Leigh; a brother, Joseph Williams; nieces, Tana Rigde, Sandra Bagby and Sherry Leigh; and a nephew, Harold Williams.

Funeral services for Credessa A. Williams were held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2009, at Buswell Funeral Home and burial, with full military honors by Miles-Hagen American Legion Post 200 and Thompson-RedCloud VFW Post 1959, was in Riverside Cemetery, both in Black River Falls.  Pastor Kathleen Jury officiated.

Family and friends called at the Buswell Funeral Home Tuesday from noon until services.

Online condolences are available at www.buswellfuneralhome.com.