Date of birth: 06 Jun 1912
Date of death: 20 Jun 2015

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Burial Information

Section 10 (Click Here for Section Map)
Cemetery: Odd Fellows Cemetery
Plot: 2041-00
Status: Occupied

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Notes

Juanita Powers Watson was a retired social worker who died at 103 years old. She was born on June 6, 1912, to Sadie Moore Powers and Jed Melvin Powers at their plantation home in Franklin, MS, south of Lexington. Juanita grew up in the presence of numerous friends and her family, who owned the "Old Franklin Country Store".

Juanita attended Sullins College in Bristol, VA and was a graduate of Belhaven College, earning a degree in home economics. Juanita married her childhood sweetheart, Julian B. "G.G." Watson in 1936 at the First United Methodist Church in Lexington. The couple had one child, a son, Julian Watson, Jr.

Juanita taught school for several years in Redlick, MS, before becoming a social worker for Holmes County Department of Human Services, where she worked from 1958-1974. Juanita will be remembered as an energetic woman who always encouraged others to achieve their best.

Throughout her life, Juanita devoted herself to helping others in her home, her work, her church and her community. As a wife and mother, she was always willing to open the family's country home for community dances or to host luncheons for friends of her son and husband. Julian shares, "Her home will be remembered as a social gathering place for the county. She loved people and her being gracious and having a love for all people had a major influence on me. My Mother taught me to be kind to all people and to help them when they were in need. She always thought good friends were better to have than great wealth."

Active in the Lexington community, Juanita was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church where she served on the Administrative Board, and as Treasurer for her Sunday School Class. She was a member of the "Walk to Emmaus". She wrote a book on the history of Holmes County, along with other members of the Magnolia Garden Club. She also started the "High Noon Club" in 1972 that is made up of retired social workers that still meets the first Friday of each month for lunch and fellowship.

Juanita's son, Julian recalls "My Mother was a kind and compassionate person who liked to help people and remained involved with people throughout her life. There were not enough hours in the day for all the things she wanted to do."

At "The Orchard" where Juanita moved at the age of 89, she continued to be an avid exerciser into her 90's, played Bingo, and was the founder of the retirement village's most popular activity group, "Fan Tan", which gathered dozens of residents for afternoon card playing.

Rev. Tom Hollowell, recalled Juanita constantly ministering to others through outreach programs and delivering devotionals to area nursing homes and hospitals. "She wasn't someone who was there just to be there. She was spiritually alive and it showed in everything she did. She was never at a loss for something to say. She always had a kind word or humorous story to tell about her life."

Family Relations

Parents:
Jed Melvin Powers
Sadie Moore Powers

Spouse:
Julian Beall Watson, Sr.

More information, family relationships, and images may be found by CLICKING HERE (external link)

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