Lamar Williamson

My best friend and husband, Lamar Williamson, 68, of Merrillville, IN, passed away on January 16, 2025 at the William J. Riley Residence in Munster, IN. He battled lung cancer since September, 2021 until his death. Just by looking at Lamar, many people never knew that he was living a life with cancer because his love for Jesus strengthened him to keep his spirits high and a smile on his face.

Lamar lived in Indiana all his life. He was born on October 22,1956 in Gary and was the last of five sons born to the late Curtis and Gracie Mae Williamson. Preceded in death are his brothers Jimmy Strayhorn and Billy Curtis Williamson. Lamar is survived by his brothers Bobby Jean (Carolyn) Williamson and Eddie (Diane) Williamson; niece Anna Robinson, favorite nephew, Mario Williamson, and numerous other nieces and nephews; and many cousins especially his beloved Gwendolyn Strayhorn of Atwood, Tennessee. He is also survived by his best friend, the love of his life, and wife of 36 years, Carmen Stokes- Williamson, his fur-daughter Nina Simone, and Quinn Stokes, a cousin in-law he called “his should have been son”.

Before retiring in 2021, Lamar worked beside his brother from another mother, Dave Kelly, for 28 years at Frost Lighting in Chicago, Illinois. Frost was what Lamar called his second home and family.

Lamar leaves behind his three (3) passions in life ; being Artist Manager for Carmen; golfing with his second-best friend, John Gutzell; and, bowling with his teammates and members of his bowling leagues. During the last two years of Lamar’s life, he forged a very special friendship with some very special people including Dan Putsek, Gayle Tharpe, Charlie Julkes, and Pastor Jerome (Dorothy) Davis.

Lamar had a great love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and it was his faith in him which got him through his life with cancer. He is now free from suffering and in the arms of Jesus’ love.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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