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- JOHNSON CITY - Mrs. Watson, age 93, Johnson City, passed into eternal glory on March 22, 2019. Born on January 6, 1926, Kate was the daughter of Professor Samuel Cole and Mrs. Eva Ann Cole of the Okolona Community of West Carter County. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death in 2010 by her husband of 64 years, Robert B. Watson. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Horace Cole, and two sisters, Norma and Infant Emma Cole.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters and sons-in-law: Becky Ann and Gary Jennings and Bobbie Kay and Larry Lewis. Kate was blessed with five grandchildren: Laura Lewis Berry (Charles Jr.) of Unicoi, TN, Mollie Lewis Canon (Jeff) of Erwin, TN, Nathan (Dawn) Jennings and Gary Andrew (Rachel) Jennings all of Johnson City and Jonathan Lewis, NC.
Twelve great grandchildren were blessed to have Kate as their beloved "Mamaw": Noah Wagner, Samuel Berry, Luke Berry, Vickie Berry and Caleb Berry, Daniel Belisle, Emilie Belisle, Tyler Colbaugh, Garrett Jennings, Ashlee Jennings, Abby Jennings and Ava Grace Lewis.
Special niece, Jane (Dave) Byrd, Unicoi, TN and many other beloved nieces and nephews survive. A very special brother in Christ, Dennis Bailey, originally from Jamaica, came to study at Milligan College and became a dear friend to the Watson family.
Special gratitude is extended to the doctors, nurses, and hospital staff who worked tirelessly to attend to Mrs. Watson's care during her illness and went above and beyond to make the family feel special and comfortable during this most difficult time.
Prior to her death, Mrs. Watson was the oldest living member of Buffalo Valley Christian Church. The Church was her life and the Lord's work came before every other thing in her life. She strived to live as an example to everyone she knew. She served as teacher in the Children's Nursery for over 45 years and every child loved her. Even grown children with children of their own still fondly called her "Mamaw Kate".
When Roselawn Memory Gardens was established, she became the first member of the office team. She took great pride in the cemetery, and for many years she selected the flowers and greenery and oversaw planting and maintenance of the grounds. Many times you could find her out in the middle of the cemetery sweeping off the grave markers. It was important to her that those whose bodies had been entrusted to them received total respect. She made many friends and acquaintances while working there. She used to laugh and say she was the last on to ever let you down. She retired at the age of seventy-nine with commendations after fifty years of devoted service.
Kate was a member of "Stitchin Sisters" and looked forward to the monthly gatherings with women of like faith and one accord. She took great pleasure in making infant caps for the Niswonger Children's NICU Hospital. One year she made upwards to one hundred caps.
In lieu of flowers, it was her desire that memorial contributions be made to Buffalo Valley Christian Church for the renovation of the fellowship hall kitchen. She was known best for her boiled cabbage, mashed potatoes and fresh creamed corn and delighted in praises she received then she prepared these dishes for the monthly fellowship meals. Contributions may be mailed to the Buffalo Valley Christian Church at 111 Buffalo Valley Road, Johnson City, TN 37601.
A "Celebration Beyond" Service will be conducted at 8 p.m. Sunday in Memorial Funeral Chapel, Elizabethton with Brother Nathan Jennings and Brother Roland Whittemore presiding. Music will be provided by David Arney. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday prior to the service. Active Pallbearers will be Great Grandsons. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of Buffalo Valley Christian Church.
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1926 - 2019 (93 years)
