Dorothy Watson Jan 18, 1943- March 7, 2025.
It is with heartfelt sadness and deep appreciation for a life richly lived that we announce Mrs. Dorothy Lail Watson entered the arms of Jesus on March 7, 2025, after a brave battle with cancer.
Born on January 18, 1943, in Casar, NC, Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Loy Watson and parents, Thomas Edison Lail and Mildred McNeilly Lail of Connelly Springs, brother Thomas “Harril” Lail of Hildebran, and great granddaughter Brieananan Jerome of Oak Ridge, TN.
Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter Donna Beck (Mark) of Anderson, SC, daughter Tammy Beam of Connelly Springs, NC and son Scott Watson of Hildebran, NC, grandchildren Morgan Allen (Joshua) of Anderson, SC, Madison Glass (Dylan) of Anderson, SC, Meredith Beck (Eric) of Belton, SC, Mary Kate Beck of Piedmont, SC, David Beck of Anderson, SC, Erica Jerome (Tim) of Oak Ridge, TN, Forrest Fender (Ashley) of Bassier City, LA, Shelby Workman of Hildebran, NC, Trey Beam of Jonas Ridge, TN, and Alexis Beam of Connelly Springs, NC; great grandchildren, Dexter Jerome, Gabriel Jerome, Everly Jerome, Elliot Workman, Rylee Allen, Olivia Allen, Beck Glass, Shepherd Glass, Ruthie Boggs and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dorothy was a devoted wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. In addition to always conducting her life with honesty and utmost integrity, she also passed along a strong work ethic and love for family. She is remembered for her grace, kindness, wisdom and commitment to serving others. She modeled an unwavering faith to her family and friends in ways that will be remembered for a lifetime.
Dorothy was a loyal member of First Baptist Church of Hildebran. Over the years she worked with the youth, served on numerous committees, and taught Sunday School. Throughout her life and battle with cancer she served others while continuously professing she was “so very blessed”.
Dorothy had many passions in her life. She had a deep love for academia. She was a proud graduate at Appalachian State University. She spent her career teaching and mentoring middle and high school students in Burke County, NC. She was an avid reader and believed in “never judging a book by its cover”. Dorothy applied this principle to her everyday life as well, never judging people by their appearance or paths in life. As a result, she befriended many and had a multitude of beloved friends. Dorothy also enjoyed working in her flower gardens, spending time in the mountains, birdwatching, and shelling on the beach. She found peace in these “simple things” always reminding us God is in the in between, quiet spaces of nature.
Dorothy was nothing short of an extraordinary woman. She left an impactful legacy of service, love, friendship, integrity, and immense faith. While she is no longer with us on earth, her legacy is very much alive and will endure in the heart of all of whom had the privilege to know her and love her.
There will be a celebration of life at First Baptist Church of Hildebran in the Christian Life Center at 6pm on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Fellowship of family and friends immediately following. Donations in memory of Dorothy Watson can be made to First Baptist Church of Hildebran or to elkriverhelpinghands.org for those in need in Avery County because of Hurricane Helene.
Please accept my Request Heartfelt Condolences!
She was truly a Unique and Beautiful Person! She was wise and Patient. She was a loving Figure who was a Wonderful and Compassionate friend who put others before herself. She never sssid a negative or disrespectful remark in the 60 years of being friends!
I will truly appreciate her and the kindness she showed me in my life!
Sincerely,
C. Van Huffman
Mrs Watson was an awesome teacher and such a sweet Lady I sure will miss her prayers for her family. May God comfort you all with deepest sympathy Sheila swink spry
I am so sorry for your loss. Dorothy was always a model for me growing up. She reminded me so much of Aunt Mildred. She was very supportive and loving to people that others cast aside.
I loved Dorothy as a teacher, mentor, and friend. Being in her World Literature class in high school inspired me to consider being a high school English teacher. I have never regretted investing my life in education as a result of her influence. What a blessing to know I will see her again as my sister in Christ!
Our most sincere condolences . She was loved.
She was a force of a woman, strong with a deep sense of family. I’m honored to have had the opportunity to meet her.
She was as sweet of a lady I had ever me.She will be greatly missed on this mountain. Prayers for her family. Thank God I met such a great lady.
Dorothy was my teacher and my friend. I will miss her.
Rest in peace sweet Dorothy.
Dorothy was one of my favorite colleagues and one of my children’s favorite teachers. I missed her when she moved on to East Burke High. I was impressed with her dedication to her family, her church, and her profession. My love and condolences to Donna, Tammy, and Scott, and all the grandchildren.
Dorothy always showed grace and a big smile for everyone. She was an inspiration to everyone she met. This world has lost a gentle soul, but I know she is rejoicing in heaven!
Tammy, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family. May you and the family find comfort in Dorothy’s memories.
Mrs. Watson was the teacher and friend that left a lasting impression. You could feel the calmness and genuine care she shared during your time with her. Miss you Dorothy!
Dorothy was loved by us and will be greatly missed, Her contributions to her family, church and community were significant. Her deep love for Jesus showed in the life and legacy she left to all of us in her church and the people she encountered every day. We miss you, Dorothy. See you soon in heaven.
My heart goes out to you and your family. May you find God’s strength around you in this difficult time.
Isaiah 41:10
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”.
I am so very sad to learn of Dorothy’s passing. I met Dorothy when she was teaching at Hildebran Junior High School and I was the Environmental Ecological Education teacher for Burke County Public Schools. Dorothy and I traveled with her students on many adventures!!! She was the ENGLISH teacher who loved being in my outdoor classrooms! I LOVE working with Dorothy and her students! I even met Ed, her husband, who spent a summer with his friend Bob S. painting and ‘repainting’ everything at my home! Those were fun times! I think of Dorothy and Ed as some of the finest people I have ever met!
I wish you much peace and lots of JOY as you remember how blessed you were to have had them both in your life.