Evelyn Helen Watson

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Evelyn Helen Watson, “Ev” peacefully passed away on November 14, 2024, at the age

of 79, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Walterboro, South Carolina. Born

on August 18, 1945, in Ritter, South Carolina, to Rufus and Elouise Grant, Evelyn’s life

was a testament to dedication, love, and community.

After graduating from high school, Evelyn moved to Newark, New Jersey, where she

lived for 34 years before returning to her hometown of Walterboro. It was in Newark that

she met and married Charlie Watson Jr. in 1965. Evelyn worked as a clerk at Freeman

and Bass Counselors Law Firm before taking a position as a Cottage Training

Technician at Woodbridge Development Center in Rahway, New Jersey, where she

worked for over 15 years.

Evelyn and Charlie has one daughter, COL (Retired) Denise Walker, and a

granddaughter, Sydney Walker. Evelyn was known for her exceptional cooking,

decorating, and hosting abilities, particularly her famous card parties, bingo games, and

annual New Year’s Eve Parties held in the basement of their home.

After Charlie retired, Evelyn returned to South Carolina in 1997. She continued to be

the heart of family gatherings, delighting her loved ones with her cooking and beautiful

home decor. Evelyn also enjoyed putting puzzles together and working at Citi-Trend

Clothing Store and Bonnie-Doone Plantation before fully retiring. She loved playing

solitaire on her computer and was a devoted caretaker, especially to her sister Louise,

whom she cared for until Louise’s passing in 2023.

Evelyn was a faithful member of Abraham C.M.E. Church, often hosting services in her

home when the church faced repairs or heating issues. She served with dedication on

several boards, including President of the Steward Board, Stewardess Board, and

Missionary Society and was also a member of the Usher Board and Trustee Board. Her

home was always open to relatives and friends, reflecting her generous spirit.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, Rufus and Elouise, her brothers, Robert

Lee Grant, Melvin Grant, Wilson Grant, Jonathan Grant, and her sister, Louise Grant

Wright. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Charlie Watson Jr., her daughter

Denise Walker (Anthony), granddaughter Sydney Walker, sister Catherine Brown

(Lewis), sisters-in-law Mary and Minnie, her goddaughter Shammel, and a host of nieces,

nephews, cousins, and friends.

Evelyn loved sitting on her front porch with family and friends, and her kindness

extended beyond her immediate circle, as she was a friend to many, always offering her

home and heart to those in need. Her warmth and laughter could brighten the darkest of

days, and her legacy of compassion will live on in the lives she touched.

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