In memory of Lillie Williamson

With great sorrow, we are mourning the passing of our mother, grandmother, auntie, great-grandmother, and sister Lillie Williamson. She was a founding member of the San Francisco Native community, specifically in the Mission.

As a single mom, Lillie tirelessly worked in the role of The Friendship House cook and nutritionist. For over two decades, she fed countless clients, staff, and community members. If you passed through the Friendship House in the late 80s, 90s and early 2000s you no doubt were nourished by her stew and frybread. Her food was an expression of her love for her people.

In her later years, Lillie could always be seen selling her beaded jewelry at community events with her sister Mary, and her door was always open for visitors, greeting everybody with her beautiful smile.

She unexpectedly passed away on Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023 at 2pm at Kaiser on Geary

It was Lillie’s wishes for her ashes to be returned to the waters of the San Francisco Bay, as well as to her ancestral homeland in Shiprock, New Mexico. We are humbly asking for community support in getting the funds needed to help facilitate her wishes. Any amount contributed would be greatly appreciated.

Ahéhee’