Hattie L. Watson

Hattie Lenore Watson was born on November 24, 1921, in Randolph County, Alabama to Emma Smedley-Winston Robinson and Rob Winston. Hattie was one of seven brothers and six sisters. She proceeds her siblings in death Ben Winston, Talley Winston, Henry Winston, Sam Winston, Dave Winston, Joe Andrew Winston and Frank Winston, Lyra Jones, Martha Winston, Lemon Bailey, Maggie Ruth Paige, Josie Smedley.

Hattie attended Cannon Baptist Church at an early age. Her favorite thing to do was attend Sunday School and church revivals. Hattie received her early education at Cannon Community School in Randolph, Alabama. In 1939 Hattie gave birth to her first child daughter Dorothy Winston in Anniston, Alabama. Shortly after Hattie moved to Cleveland, Ohio to be with her Mother Emma Robinson in 1940. Her second daughter Rosha Carter was born on April 27, 1950. Hattie joined East Mount Zion Baptist church on March 15, 1953, where she sang in the Angelous Choir for several years. Hattie worked in retail, domestic, home health care and retired from Ernst & Young an accounting firm after 15+ years of service.

Hattie married in 1973 to Ernest Watson (deceased) where they resided in Cleveland Heights for several years. They raised her granddaughter Kenya Williams and stepdaughter Ernestine Petty (deceased).

Hattie enjoyed cooking, hosting dinner parties, shopping, attending her grandson Tyler’s basketball games, traveling to visit her longtime friends, Granddaughters Kalea and Sydney along with several nieces and nephews. There was never a dull moment with Hattie. Everyone enjoyed Hattie’s delicious food, feisty but lovable personality, joyful personality, wisdom and gentle spirit. Hattie loved holiday traditions with her grandchildren, family and friends. Thanksgiving was her favorite time of the year, especially since she was born on Thanksgiving Day. Hattie was elegant in everything that she did and will be remembered for her generosity and kind heart.

Hattie participated in several bowling tournaments with confidant Williams Hawthorne. She was his primary caretaker until his passing.

Hattie proceeds in death both parents, her two daughters, lifelong partner William Hawthorne along with her 13 siblings.

Family left to cherish Hattie’s memories are her granddaughter Kenya Williams and spouse Kelly Williams, great grandchildren Eabonie Williams, Kalea Williams and Kelly William Jr. Great, great, grandchildren Tyler Williams, Harmonie Williams, Skye-Elijah Williams, Brooklyn Elson, Cameron Elson and Sydney-Sky Williams along with a host of nieces and nephews.