Mary Earle P Watson Obituary

Mary Earle Powell Watson, 73, of Albany, died peacefully Tuesday following a long struggle with heart and kidney diseases. She was surrounded by loved ones at the time of her passing.The funeral service will be 10 AM Saturday at First Baptist Church of Albany and entombment will follow at Crown Hill Mausoleum. Rev. Don Driskell will officiate. The family will receive friends and family at Kimbrell-Stern on Friday evening from 5 to 7 PM.A native of Louisiana, MO, Mrs. Watson, lovingly known by her grandchildren as "Nana," was a long-time resident of Albany. She moved here with her parents as a child, and at the age of 10 became a member of First Baptist Church. Mrs. Watson attended Albany High School before attending Georgia Southern College, where she was actively involved in many student activities, including serving as the secretary of the Baptist Student Union. She worked as a secretary for Albany Farm Equipment, where she met her future husband of 52 years, fulfilling her fervent desire to become a wife and mother. After her marriage in 1952 to John H. Watson, Sr., she was an employee of First State Bank for several years and remained active in the "Former First Staters." She began working for the Dougherty County School System as a secretary at Palmyra School, and became the first Special Education Bus Driver in Albany when she was hired "temporarily" by her husband, Dougherty County's first Transportation Director. and her temporary employment ended after 25 years of service. She was past president of the wives' chapter of the Police Officers' Association, better known today as the Fraternal Order of Police. Mrs. Watson and her husband were members of the "Rafter Rockers" square dancing group for several years, and also loved camping together with their family.For the past several years, Mrs. Watson was a member of the Theta Master Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, an international cultural and social sorority, for which she served as sweetheart, president, and social chairman, as well as being selected as Valentine Queen. Her diligence and boundless energy won her several awards with that organization, including Best Program of the Year and perfect attendance awards. At the time of her death, she had been a member of First Baptist Church for over 64 years. There she had served as a Sunday School teacher, a charter member of the Winsome Sunday School class, and helped continue that group as the Winsome Fellowship Group. Mrs. Watson had more recently become a member of the JOY (Just Older Youth) Fellowship.Mrs. Watson was a loving wife, mother of 4, and grandmother to 12. Her vivacious personality, positive attitude, and cheerful demeanor made her a friend to all who knew her. Most friends recalled her ever-present smile.She was preceded in death by her parents, Lottie Toole and Hollis Earl (H.E.) Powell.Survivors include her husband of 53 years, John H. "Poppy" Watson, Sr., of Albany, one son: John H. "Hank" Jr. and wife Kelly of Norfolk, VA; three daughters: LaRue Watson Martin and partner Victor W. Smith of New Haven, CT; LuAnn Watson Morrison and husband Stan of Leesburg, GA; and Leisel "Lisa" Watson Taylor of Poulan; twelve grandchildren: Blair Tripp, Brent Watson, Stephen Morrison, Jonathan Bland, Katelyn Watson, Sean Morrison, Chloe Schuller, Tate Schuller, Samantha Taylor, Levi Watson, GraceKelly Watson, Logann Morrison, and one grandson (name TBD) on the way.Those desiring to may make memorials to Albany Community Hospice, P.O. Box 1828, Albany, GA 31702, or to the Present Location Committee of First Baptist Church of Albany, 400 Pine Avenue, Albany, GA 31701.You may sign the on-line guest book and share memories with the family of Mrs. Watson by visiting Kimbrell-Stern's website at www.kimbrellstern.com.

Mary Earle P Watson Obituary

January 21, 1931 - November 23, 2004