Keturah Watson

A Mother to All, Keturah Watson, nee Parker of Orlando, died peacefully on February 14th, 2023, at home in the presence of her daughter. She was preceded in death by her husband Vivian Angus Watson. The couple had known each other for 72 years before his death.

Keturah was born on April 17th, 1929, to the late William and Sarah (Leachman) Parker in Marley Hill, Content District, St. Catherine, Jamaica, West Indies.

Keturah ("Kate") was dedicated to her family and always left an open door to anyone in need. Whether it was welcoming new arrivals to the United States, hosting families in her home, or babysitting for neighbors and friends, she always found ways to give a helping hand.

As a young woman, Kate taught at Marley Hill Elementary School, St. Catherine, and later went into training for midwifery at Victoria Jubilee Hospital in Kingston, Jamaica. Kate was a highly skilled and dedicated practitioner, and worked as District Midwife in Harker's Hall, Constitution Hill, and Golden Spring while caring for her children along with other nieces and nephews.

In 1967, Kate immigrated to the United States and settled in Bronx, New York where her family later joined her in 1969. She worked as a Nursing Assistant at St. Barnabas Hospital for 13 years. Kate and Vivian later made their home in Orlando, where she continued to work as a Nursing Assistant at Guardian Care until her retirement.

Kate was an enthusiastic reader, reading everything she could get her hands on. As her eyesight failed, her magnifying glass was her constant companion. She enjoyed doing Jumbles and Word Search puzzles and would often make lists of vocabulary words in her exercise book. She loved to cook and share food with family and friends. Her door and fridge were always open to all. She loved laughter and dancing to a good reggae beat with lots of bass.

For Kate, it was all about babies and children. As a dedicated member of Rolling Hills Moravian Church, she especially enjoyed looking out for the children. Her favorite radio program was the "Children's Bible Hour" on BBN Radio. She loved and supported her grandchildren and encouraged them toward higher learning. For countless others, Kate Watson was the adopted Mother, Aunt and Grandma they never had, and she relished the opportunity to support and encourage young people.

Kate is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Vivian, and her daughter Monica; survived by, her two sons, Karl Watson and Macey Watson; her daughter, Elaine Watson; grandchildren, Cassandra, Jamell, Alexis, Macey Jr., Julian, Joseph (Joey), Sharon, Debbie, Everton, Donavan, Milton; great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends young and old.

Viewing and Funeral service will be held on Friday, March 10, 2023, 10:30 am at Newcomer Funeral Home - East Orlando Chapel, 895 S. Goldenrod Rd, Orlando, FL 32822.

Interment will follow immediately at Greenwood Cemetery, Orlando, FL.