Sammy Southerland Mrs. Watson

Sammy Southerland Watson passed away peacefully at home Sunday, July 10, 2016. Born Sammy Muriel Southerland in Bahama, North Carolina, Sammy was the fourth daughter of Samuel and Minnie Southerland. Named after her father, she had seven sisters and two brothers. Sammy graduated from Mangum High School and Kings Business College. She first put her business and accounting skills to work in a bank and later for her brother-in-law at Raleigh Wholesale Florist. She met Donald Minor Watson, a handsome city boy from Raleigh, on a blind date. They were married November 13, 1948. The following year, they welcomed their first child, Don Jr and daughter Shirley soon followed in 1953.  In 1960, the family moved from their home on Bickett Boulevard to a new and upcoming neighborhood - North Hills.  At the time Sammy believed that Don had taken her back to the country! In 1961, daughter Kathy was born.  Sammy was a wonderful mother, giving her love and time to each child. Later in life, one of her greatest joys was being “Granny” to five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was an avid reader of mystery novels, solving jigsaw puzzles, an expert card player and loved bridge, canasta, and rummikub. She was an excellent cook and always had brunswick stew and chess pies ready whenever children and grandchildren visited. The children and grandchildren continue today to enjoy those Watson traditions.  She was always eager to attend baseball games, dance recitals, and take family trips from the mountains to the sea.  She also passed on her love of all sports, especially the Atlanta Braves and both NC State and Carolina cheering for whomever had the ball to keep peace in the family. Sammy was the devoted and loving wife of Don for almost 68 years.  They were connected in life and and in death. Don passed away exactly one week prior to his “Sweetie.” Sammy is survived by son Don Watson (Laurie) of Boone, daughters Shirley Smith (Dan) of Murrells Inlet, SC, and Kathy Whaley (Ron) of Raleigh; beloved grandchildren, Jason Ward (fiance Ashley), Lindsay Schmeltzer (Patrick), Scott Watson, Laura Beth Veto (Paul), and Lacy Whaley; and great-grandchildren, Hannah and Donna Grace Schmeltzer. Also surviving are sisters Margaret S. Peeler, Dorothy S. Leonard, and brothers, Phillip Southerland and Richard Southerland, and many nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, July 14 at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh.  Afterwards, the family invites all friends to visit with them at 909  Currituck Drive, Raleigh. The family is grateful for the loving care provided to “Granny” by Beatrice, Kimberly, Marquetta, Shaneke, Kesa, Evoni and Audrey and to the caring staff at Transitions Life Care. Flowers are welcome or donations may be made to your favorite charity.