Melvin 'Crow' Paul Williamson

1/15/1966 — 5/20/2025

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Jan. 15, 1966 — May 20, 2025

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Melvin “Crow” Paul Williamson Jr. was born on Jan. 15, 1966, in Crow Agency, Mont., to the late Melvin Paul Williamson Sr., of Crow Agency, and Vicki Smith-Johnson, of Lapwai. He passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

Crow grew up on Ash Avenue in Lapwai, surrounded by cousins and family. He spent his youth exploring the Nez Perce homelands — hunting, fishing and gathering with his extended family. He was a proud member of the Spalding Juniors Nez Perce drum group, participated in sweat with community members, and traveled widely to attend camp meetings throughout the western U.S. and Canada.

A talented athlete and performer, Crow played football, basketball (1983 and 1984 state champions), and baseball (1984 district champions) at Lapwai High School. However, he was best known for his remarkable talent in mime, earning the title of Idaho State Drama Champion in 1983 and 1984. He was also a member of the iconic breakdancing troupe, the Floor Masters, who performed across the Northwest.

Crow graduated from Lapwai High School in 1985 and enlisted in the U.S. National Guard. He pursued higher education at Lewis-Clark State College, Eastern Oregon University and Northwest Indian College. Over the years, he held various roles with dedication and pride, including positions with the Nez Perce Tribe Day Labor Program, as a “Boyer Warrior” at Boyer Farms, certified nursing assistant, Nez Perce Tribe firefighter, Nez Perce Tribe housekeeping, Quinault fisheries programs and as a well-respected horse trainer. He also worked in the restaurant industry at Antonio’s, KFC and the Clearwater River Casino.

Crow married Annabell Grover in the summer of 1994 in Spalding.

His name, Búuataawasaash — meaning Coyote Chaser in Crow language — was given to him by his Grandpa Dexter. He was originally enrolled with the Apsáalooke (Crow) Nation and on Aug. 10, 2022, transferred his enrollment to the Nez Perce Tribe — reflecting his deep connection to his Nimiipuu roots. As an adult, he proudly represented the Nimiipuu in horse parades.

Throughout his life, Crow remained passionate about his youth interests and embraced new ones — especially horseshoes, stickgames and ceremonial sundance, and had plans to join the powwow circle.

He is survived by his mother, Vicki Smith-Johnson; brothers Dion Smith and Nakia Williamson, of Lapwai; and his many siblings and relatives in Crow Agency, Mont., including Melveen “Paula” Fisher, Trudy Old Crane, Marvin Beauvais, Michael Old Crane, Jasper Half, Ross Plain Feather, Olivia Rose Sabato, Mary Negron, Jonella Lockley and Hub Williamson. He is lovingly remembered by his son, Austin Lance, of Florida; stepchildren Vanessa Mills, Holly Mills and Jackie Mills, of Tahola, Wash.; his cherished and only godchild, Stacia Greene-Morfin, of Lewiston; and countless relatives whom he was loved by deeply.

Crow was preceded in death by his father, Melvin Paul Williamson Sr.; his wife, Annabell Grover-Williamson; his sister, Marquel Delacruz; grandparents Dexter Williamson and Lorraine Morrison-Williamson, Lillian Cloud-Smith and Samuel W. “Smitty” Smith; stepdaughter Jonelle Mills; stepson Jimmy Mills; uncle Woodrow Smith; aunties Marlene McAtty and LaVeda McAtty; and many beloved ancestors who will be welcoming him home.

Crow’s spirit, humor, animated storytelling and loving heart will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

The dressing will take place at at 10 a.m. Monday, May 26, at Brower-Wann Funeral Home, 1711 18th St., Lewiston. The memorial will follow at 7 p.m. at the Pi-Nee-Waus Community Center in Lapwai. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 27, at the Pi-Nee-Waus Community Center, followed by a burial at Spalding Cemetery.

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