Obituaries

Mary Ann Watson was born May 26, 1957 to the late Nelson “Big June” Carter, Jr. and Snow Ella Bobo. She was a 1976 graduate of Barton High School.  Her beauty, outgoing personality, and natural smarts landed her the honor of becoming the first black majorette in her youth.

Mary Ann confessed her faith in Jesus Christ at the pure age of “6” under the great leadership of Reverend P.L. Perkins where she faithfully served for 43 years in many capacities such as: The Narrator of the Galillee Goodwill Gospel Hour, Youth Supervisor, “Marching In” for many years as well as one of the Greatest #3 Choir Directors in the nation! “OH MY! COULDN’T SHE DIRECT A CHOIR?” Her eloquent, distinctive, speaking allotted her opportunities to facilitate many programs in and out of the city.  She never met a stranger and believed that only what you do for Christ will last – 2 Corinthians 4:18.

Mary Ann united in holy matrimony to the late C.W. Watson January 6,1979, and born to this union was two beautiful daughters; Queen Watson and Anica Laquanta Watson. A servant leader, humanitarian, and mentor, she was an active member in various organizations such as: NAACP, Order of the Eastern Stars, Booster Club Parent for Central High School, and the Phillips County Election Commission. Continuing in the spirit of serving others, she was employed at the Phillip’s County Clerk’s Office for 18 years and served as a licensed funeral director at Jackson and Highley Funeral Home for 37 years.

Mary Ann later joined First Missionary Baptist Church, West Helena Arkansas under the capable leadership of Reverend Dr. Nathaniel Hull, Sr. (whom she loved dearly) where she ministered in the Sanctuary Choir. Now, spiritually led by Pastor Von Daniels she remained faithful until her health declined. She later moved to Memphis Tennessee with her oldest daughter, Lakeitha Carter, and there she attended Deliverance Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Pastor Albert Clark, when she could. In spite of her physical challenges, she kept her faith, prayed for others, and sang God’s praises.

Mary Ann’s heavenly departure was April 28, 2023 at St. Francis – Park Hospital, Memphis Tennessee. The angels are now rejoicing.

Mary Ann is preceded in death by her parents, three sisters; Snow Ella Pimms, Martha LaRose Carter, Sandra Arnett, and one son; Nelson Shepard.

Mary Ann leaves to cherish her legacy and memories four children Lakeitha Carter of Memphis TN,  Queen Watson of Jonesboro AR,  Anica Watson of  Rouston LA, Jordan Watson of Memphis TN, one daughter-in-law; Hattie Shepard of Memphis TN, four sister; Della Dew, Samantha Arnett, Carol Brown, Jackie Arnett, two brothers; Clarence Allen, Sammie (Stacey) Arnett, Jr., eight granddaughters; Lashawniccee (Donterrio) Harris, Latongila Shepard, Yasmine (Eric) Raven Symone Woods, Lillie Mae Stewart, Dominique Winston, Rayjean Antwonette Shepard, Olivia Desiree Shepard, Journee Azelea Watson, four grandsons; Brandon Garner, Jr., Turell Williams, III, Landan Watson, Dantrell Demond Gibson, fourteen great grandchildren, two special cousins; Bobbie Pruitt, Jimmy Wright, and a host of nephews, nieces, and so many friends.