Juanita Marie Parker Watson went to sleep in Gallatin on Sunday, January 2, and awoke in the arms of God early Monday morning.
She was born July 12, 1927, the daughter of the late Ollie and Mary Dyer Parker.
Church and family were central to life in the rural TN community she grew up in. She was saved and joined the church as a young girl, and was a member of Salem Missionary Baptist Church at the time of her passing.
She married William Watson, the love of her life, in 1943 and they enjoyed more than 61 years together prior to his passing in 2012. Throughout their lifetime together and her remaining years, God, church, and family were her priorities.
She was very loved and is sorely missed by surviving family members, including children: Ronnie Watson (Diane) of Lebanon, Shirley Gregory (Glen), Mel Watson (Bev), and Deborah Ballentine (Dick) all of Portland, grandchildren: Kimberly Martin (Greg) of Bixby, OK, Terri Robinson of Hendersonville, Mike Watson (Shannon) and Deric Watson (Julie) of Gallatin, Tonya Gregory (Eric) of Bowling Green, KY, Jason Watson and Laura Meador (Donnie) of Cottontown, Craig Ballentine (Cala) of Franklin and Parker Ballentine (Nicki) of Ft. Bragg, NC and 21 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are sisters-in-law, Betty Watson of Riddleton, and Delorese Parker of Orlinda, several nieces and nephews, and caretaker and companion, Tracy Bandy.
She was preceded in death by brothers, Dennis, E.B. and Donque Parker, and sisters, Katherine Golden, Iva Lee Glover, and Maggie Keene. Pallbearers are Mike Watson, Greg Martin, Jason Watson, Deric Watson, Donnie Meador, Eric Gregory, Craig Ballentine, and Parker Ballentine.
Graveside service will be conducted by Brother Jeff Blackwell. Arrangements are being handled by Family Heritage Funeral Home in Gallatin. Visitation at the funeral home will be Saturday, January 8 from noon until 1:30 pm, with Graveside services at 2 pm at Crestview Memorial Gardens. Social distancing and use of masks will be utilized due to COVID. In lieu of flowers donations to the Kidney Foundation are recommended. The family has lovingly written the obituary.
