Obituary of Dorothy Anne Watson

Dorothy Anne Black Watson passed away on June 16, 2023 in Harrisburg, NC encircled by her three children and their spouses.

Born in Manhattan on October 16, 1935, Dorothy “Dottie” Black Watson grew up in Jackson Heights (Queens) and Valley Stream, NY, where she attended Valley Stream Central High School. When Dorothy was 14 years old, she met John Watson, married him in 1953 and moved to Commack, NY, where they settled and raised their children. Dorothy worked as a social worker and at one point had a lively preschool in her home. After the death of her husband in 1984, Dorothy moved to Charlotte, NC to be closer to her dear friend, Arlene Bidanset.

Always warm and outgoing, Dorothy made new life-long friends in Charlotte, starting book clubs and womens’ groups at Christ Lutheran Church and in her retirement community. Dorothy loved the beach, which served both as her spiritual sanctuary and inspiration for her award-winning artwork. It was her family, above all else, that mattered most. Born to be a grandma, Dorothy was the central figure of the entire Watson family, drawing her children and grandchildren to her love and devotion. Not surprisingly, her children and extended family all followed her to Charlotte at one time or another, where she would welcome all with grace and love.

Even as her health declined, Dorothy made it clear that family is everything and reminded everyone to maintain that commitment. So, inspired by her example and legacy, Dorothy’s daughter Jennifer DeRochi (Jack), their children Jack and Rachel; her son Andy Watson (Jennifer), their children Brody, Grace and Lily; her son James Watson (Shari) and grandson Jake (Jennifer); her sister Joyce Ackerman, nieces Meggan and Bethany; and her many cousins are committed to gather and honor her memory often and always. The first opportunity, already scheduled, will be to raise a glass in celebration of Dorothy and our love for one another at the beach in Hither Hills on Long Island, where she camped with her young family every year.

Dorothy is received by loved ones who passed before her, including her parents William and Dora Black, her husband John Edward Watson, and her aunt and roommate Joyce Fallace.

A funeral service will take place at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at Christ Lutheran Church on Providence Road in Charlotte.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hankins and Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203.

Online condolences may be made at www.HankinsandWhittington.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to Christ Lutheran Church or a local arts foundation.