Mary Robinson Watson

Mary was born on January 28, 1921 to her parents Benjamin and Irene Spencer Robinson in Hopewell, VA. She transitioned peacefully and gracefully from this life on Friday, 8 March 2019. Preceding her in death were her parents, six siblings, Alease, Floyd, John, James, Benjamin and Mozel (Arline) and her maternal Uncle, James Spencer, who reared her in Youngstown after her mother’s passing in 1938. Surviving to mourn her loving memory, brother, Leon Ernest (Daphne); son, William H Watson (Joyce R); her eternally loving daughter, Evelyn Joyce Watson Hightower; grandson, Michael Easterling; granddaughters, Jeannette H. Powell ((Johnny), Charlene H. Dienes (Tomas), Denise Hightower; niece, Lorene Street (Mozel’s daughter); and nephews, Leon, Todd and Kent Robinson (Leon’s sons). She is also survived by a loving host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, other relatives and friends. Mary graduated from Youngstown East High School in 1941 and married William H. Watson, Sr. later that year. Her son William and Evelyn Joyce were born of this union. The couple divorced in 1951 and Mary reared her children singly with dignity, discipline and love with all her heart and by God’s grace. She shared stories with her children about having worked as a domestic in other’s homes, as a short order cook in diners and restaurants, including her Uncle Spencer’s. She was a duster in the china Department at McKelveys store, when lacks rarely worked downtown in Youngstown. She also was an accomplished seamstress. Mary worked at Ravenna Arsenal during WWII and as a nurse’s aid at the Mahoning County nursing home. She later tested to become an LPN and continued working as one and an Acting Activities Director until it’s closing. Mary began medical assisting in her late son-in-law’s private practice until it closed in 1995. Mary entered the Prince Hall affiliated Eastern Star, Amaranth chapter under the auspices of her Uncle Spencer who was a 33 degree Mason. She graciously served as a Worthy Matron twice, and in many other leadership positions during her fifty active chapter years. Mary was a league bowler, crocheted avidly and painted with water colors as hobbies. She enjoyed dancing and socializing with her many friends in Youngstown. Mary relocated to Columbus, Ohio in 2008, to reside with her daughter when her health began to decline. She and her daughter shared an unconquerable bond and eternal love. The family expresses tributes to Heritage Adult Day care and Wexner Heritage Village who graciously assisted her daughter with her care. A special thanks to Cassandra Suggs, MD for providing loving medical care. Adele Johnson, Columbus, Rebecca Fox, Pickerington, Oh, James & Pat Greene of Hubbard, Oh, Sandra Johnson, Aurora , Oh, Mr and Mrs Frederick Smith, Youngstown and Charles and Joan Bannon of Boardman, Oh for always staying in contact, providing support and companionship.