Joining the Navy is an adventurous way to see the world, and for some fortunate sailors, that includes a visit to Jane Williamson’s house in Mobile’s Yester Oaks neighborhood. Her beautifully furnished home is inviting enough already, but on the big weekend rolling into Mardi Gras, she takes extra steps to make sure her out-of-town guests feel exceptionally welcome.
Williamson is one of many warmhearted area residents who briefly open their homes to sailors whose ship is docked in Mobile at the peak of the city’s most festive season. Others, like Lynda Combs’ family in Grand Bay, give a small group of Navy personnel a tantalizing taste of Mobile by treating them to a comforting meal in town.
The tradition of having a Navy ship come to Mobile for Mardi Gras goes back many decades, and the accompanying Host-a-Sailor program makes sure they have a plentiful serving of hospitality while they are here. A kind and gracious hostess, Williamson is a natural for it. “I love to cook and bake, and I love to entertain at home,” she says. “I want this to be a very casual, warm, welcoming situation for them.”…