Thelma Pauline Watson

Thelma Pauline Watson, was born July 10, 1934 and departed this life on Thursday September 17, 2020. She attended school in both Glendale School in Glendale, FL as well as St. Augustine’s School for the Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine, FL Her first marriage was to Billy Donaldson, who later suffered an accidental death. Thelma was then married to Ralph Wilkerson of DeFuniak Springs, FL, where they lived and had two wonderful children, Alice Manning, who is married to Frankie Lee Manning, both of Dora, AL, giving her the first miracle grandson, Luke Manning. Her son, Roy Lee Wilkerson, who is married to Gabrielle Dawn Wilkerson, both of Ft. Walton Beach, FL, who next blessed her with more amazing grandsons, Sawyer Gabriel Wilkerson and Sylas Roy Wilkerson; also granddaughter Aeris Noel Wilkerson. Thelma also loved and cared for her daughter, Clarissa Wilkerson Holloway, from a previous marriage of Ralph’s. Ralph Wilkerson preceded her in death by many years. Lastly, she was married to Burruss Watson, who also preceded her in death. She lived most of her life in Florida. He was married previously and brought her several wonderful adult children, many with spouses and children of their own that she loved, and they love her. During her life she was a seamstress, a homemaker. She and Ralph also owned and operated the well- known Wilkerson Meat Company in Glendale, FL. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She enjoyed fishing and always caught the biggest one!!! She made the best pecan pies anyone ever imagined. She hugged everyone and smiled at anyone that would look her way. She adored her grandchildren, and they brought the most joy to her life! She loved to travel. She was FEARLESS. Deafness was not an impairment to her, only to others. Thelma moved to Alabama after the death of her husband and remained here. She had many amazing friends in the community that call her “Granny”! She lived the last five years of her life at Ridgewood Health Services in Jasper, AL She passed away there, surrounded by family and staff that loved and cared for her for many years. We have no doubts that she is dancing in Heaven today!!!! She will be greatly missed. Many memories have been made and will be cherished forever. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Floy Brown and her siblings, Oswald Brown, Lola Mae Duncan, Shirley Ann Mason, Nola Juanita Ezell, O. C. Brown and Dewayne Brown. Also left to cherish her memories are a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, who loved and adored her as well as many friends. Cremation services are being provided by New Horizon Memorial Funeral Home, Dora, AL (205) 648-2323/www.newhorizonmemorial.com

Thelma Pauline Watson

July 10, 1934 - September 17, 2020