Mrs. Fay (Weems) Watson, age 96 and a long time resident of Thomaston, GA, passed away peacefully January 4, 2024, surrounded by her family at the home of her daughter, Malysa Rogers in Advance, NC. Born on November 14, 1928, she was one of fifteen children of the late Allen Franklin Weems and Mary Padgett Weems. After graduating from Robert E. Lee class of 1949 she met and and married the late Leo Ted Watson with whom she raised two daughters: Debra and Malysa. She was a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

She lived an active and full life, as she thoroughly enjoyed participating in significant events in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Fay’s unwavering love for her family was evident in her selflessness, kindness, and generosity. To her neighbors she was a good friend, and especially enjoyed chatting and visiting with them while sitting on her porch. She cherished connections with those around her. She was a person who lived her life, not for things, but for the people she loved and adored. She found great joy and a sense of purpose in helping others, and had a giving nature and serving heart, balanced with spunk, grit and fierce independence. Her longevity could be attributed to her active lifestyle and hard work, doing everything from yardwork and cleaning well into her 80’s, to beachcombing while vacationing with her family. She took delight in completing the most challenging puzzles, and to prevent being “idle” she could be found with her pen solving word searches in one of her many books. Known by those who played rummy with her as the Queen of Hearts and Aces, she was always down for a game to win! Known for her homemade ice cream and fried chicken, her favorite pastime was sitting on her porch swing birdwatching.

She was greatly loved and will be greatly missed by her surviving daughters, Mrs. Debra (Richard) Rieske of Greenwood, AR, Mrs. Malysa (Brian) Rogers of Advance, NC, and her grandson, who was like a son, Mr. Russell (Katy) Rieske of Jackson, GA. She was the proud grandmother of five additional grandchildren Dr. Richard (Emmy) Rieske, Mobile, AL, Mrs.Brittainy (Ryan) Mitchell, Lowell, AR, and Joel, Jacob, and John Rogers of Advance, NC. “Nanny” was loved and adored by four great-grandchildren: Ella (Rieske), Elizabeth and Rowen (Mitchell), and Eliza (Rieske). One sister, Ms. Betty Avery of Jefferson, GA and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

The family would like to offer a special thanks for the compassionate care of the nurses and staff at Gentiva Hospice, and to the many prayers of family and friends offered on their mother’s behalf.

All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother. ~ Abraham Lincoln

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