Obituary of Doris Watson

Mrs. Doris Virginia Ritch Watson, of Barnesville, passed away early Monday, January 6, at the age of 89. Daughter of the late Paul & Lily Mae Randall Ritch, she was born in Atlanta on February 28, 1924, the second of five children. In 1944, while residing in Thomaston, she met her future husband of 61 years, the late Forrest Albert Watson, Sr. They married in 1946, and shortly thereafter moved to Barnesville, which they called home for the rest of their lives. Mrs. Watson was a devoted educator who taught English for 26 years. While teaching at Gordon Grammar School, she graduated Tift college in 1961 with a B.A. is English Literature. She then began her career as a high school English Literature teacher at Gordon Military College. In 1970, Mrs. Watson received her M.Ed in English from Mercer University in Macon. During the 1970’s she also attended Cambridge University in England for three semesters, where she furthered her study and love of literature. In 1971 Mrs. Watson began teaching at R.E. Lee Institute in Thomaston. By the time she retired in 1985, Mrs. Watson had been chosen as STAR Teacher a total of four times and had been made Head of R.E. Lee’s English Department. Mrs. Watson remained an active member of the Barnesville Community until her passing. A devoted member of the First United Methodist Church, she participated in the Church’s Circle III Club and Adult Bible Class. Mrs. Watson was a founding member of the Azalea Garden Club and a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society for Women Educators. An avid bridge player, she was a member of numerous Bridge Clubs throughout her life. Survivors include 1 Son- Forrest A. “Bert” Watson Jr. (& Marlys) of Zebulon: 1 Daughter- Gloria Watson Chaffin of Barnesville: Grandchildren- Annaliese Watson, Forrest Watson, III, Charles “Chuck" Chaffin (& Pam), and Jenny Kelly: 1 Sister-in-law- Florine Watson Harper of Richmond, VA: 1 Sister- Patricia Ritch Perdue of Ball Ground, GA: 5 Great Grandchildren and 2 Great Great Grandchildren also survive. Funeral Services for Mrs. Doris Watson will be conducted on Thursday, January 9, 2014 at 3 O’clock at the First United Methodist Church with the Reverend Dana Overton-Garrett officiating. Interment will follow in Glenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 from 5:00 to 7:00pm at Williams Funeral Home. Those who wish may view the Memorial Page and sign the Guestbook online at: www.williamsfh.net Williams Funeral Home of Barnesville was in charge of arrangements. (770) 358-1678