Nannie Lee (Whitaker) Watson entered this world on November 28, 1922 born to the late Ulysses Whitaker and the late Willie Mae Johnson in Albany, GA.
At the tender age of 9 years old, Nannie was baptized at First Bethesda Church under the leadership of the late Rev D.J. Jordon.
Nannie was 13 years old when she married the late Davis Watson, Jr. and in this blessed union, 21 children were born.
During the 1940’s Nannie and Davis relocated from Albany, GA to Ft. Myers, FL where Nannie’s mother resided. While living in Ft. Myers, Nannie joined Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church under Rev. Williams. During the late 1950’s Nannie and Davis moved to Arcadia, FL and there, she joined Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church under Rev. Cade. Nannie and Davis were brilliant entrepreneurs; they purchased property throughout Arcadia and rented rooms, apartments, and single family homes. They also provided for their family through the purchase and selling of livestock. Nannie and Davis were acquainted with many people in the community, and were highly respected and loved. Caring for family and friends were Nannie’s passion and joy; she was affectionately known as Mother, Mother Bee, Mother Dear, and Ms. Watson. She loved to cook and entertain, and she touched the lives of everyone she met in a very special way.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father; loving husband Davis Watson Jr.; 8 children including the late Ollie Bell Rogers, Sammel, and Dave. Having lived a full, beautiful life with her family, Nannie Lee (Whitaker) Watson peacefully entered into sweet eternal rest on August 19, 2013.
She leaves to cherish her memory, Willie L. Watson of Arcadia, FL, Willie Mae Strickland of Arcadia, FL, James H. Watson (Mako) of Fairbanks, AK, Harold Watson (Carolyn) of Tampa, FL, Shelly Watson (Betty) of Columbus, GA, Carl L. Watson (Mary Ann) of Tampa, FL, Joann Bentley of Arcadia, FL, Lavonne Watson (Robert) of Arcadia, FL, Michael Watson of Arcadia FL, Sandra Bryant (Stanley) of Naples, FL, Gladys Lee (Jimmy) of Arcadia, FL, Classius Watson (Coretta) of Arcadia, FL, and Cynthia Marshall (Caesar) of Lake Placid, FL, 49 grandchildren (many of which she raised as her own children); 77 great-grandchildren, 31 great, great-grand; 3 sisters-in-law, Carolyn Watson of Wesley Chapel, FL, Adell Watson of Atlanta, GA, and Mary A. Jones (Brain) of Albany, GA; 2 daughters-in-law, Sylvia Russell and Cecyl Watson both of Arcadia, FL; 1 son-in-law, Ernest Christian Sr. of Arcadia, FL; 1 special friend, Ola Mae Lee of Arcadia, FL; and many other sorrowing family and friends.
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