Marynette Watson

Marynette Neal Watson made her transition to eternal life on Sunday, December 15th, 2024. She was born to the union of the late Charles and Lula Neal on October 31, 1931, in Centre, AL.

Marynette received her early education in the public school system of Chattanooga, TN. After graduating from Howard High School, she matriculated to Tennessee State University, where she earned her Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education.

She met the love of her life, Harold J. Watson Sr., as a freshman at Tennessee State University.

In 1954, she married her husband of 61 years, Harold J. Watson Sr. Marynette and Harold moved to Gadsden, AL, after graduation, where he later accepted the position of Band Director at Carver High School after settling in Gadsden. They were blessed with six devoted and loving sons. After moving to Gadsden, she joined the St. Peter Lutheran Church where she remained a faithful member.

She was employed with the Gadsden City Board of Education as an elementary school teacher. She successfully taught and mentored many students in the Attalla and Gadsden area. She always smiled and showed pride when someone walked up to her and said, "Hey Mrs. Watson, you used to be my teacher." Her professional experience involved over 32 years of working in the field of education.

Marynette was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. She served as President 1999-2000, Lambda Eta Omega Chapter. She was also affiliated with many other professional organizations in the city of Gadsden. She received numerous honors and awards as tributes to her excellence.

Marynette loved unconditionally. She sacrificed her life for others, and was light in darkness. She didn't teach others how to love, she led by example. She was one who didn't condemn people, but lifted them up through love.

She demonstrated love toward her six sons and family that could only come from the heart. The Bible teaches us to love thy neighbor, meaning everyone who crosses our path in life and that she did. To know her was to love her.

Marynette was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Harold J. Watson, her son Alvin D. Watson, and her sister D. Leah Byrd.

Marynette is loved and respected by her family, friends and caregivers. Her dignity and reserve were enduring. She possessed the art of humbleness and patience like no other. The love for her family, friends, and even strangers was unmatched.

She leaves to cherish her devoted sons, Harold Watson Jr., Antonin D. (Carrie) Watson Sr. both of Gadsden AL, Terrence Ray (LaRosa) Watson Sr. of Birmingham AL, Stephen Charles (Helen) Watson, and Tommie Wallace Watson, of Gadsden, AL; brothers-in-law Melvin (Jean) Watson of Chesapeake, VA and Richard Byrd of Atlanta, GA; sisters-in-law Blanche Watson of Nashville, TN, Matilda Rouse of Owensboro, KY, and Patricia Watson of Nashville, TN; grandchildren, Candace Watson, Lamesha (Ali) Smith, Latasha Watson, Terrence Watson Jr., Brandi Feagin, Antonin (Tovia) Watson Jr., Reverend Anthony Whitehead, Missy (Chris) Gautier, Melonie (Twon) Vinson, Iman Doss, Tevin Watson, Seia Watson, Cheriqha Watson, Kimberly (Eric) Dobbs, and Myonna Watson; special daughter, Margie Henderson; and a host of great-grandchildren, great great-grandchildren, other relatives, and many dear friends.

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