Juanita Watson

August 28, 1945 - October 8, 2021

UTICA - Mrs. Juanita (BUSHY) Watson, age 76, fell asleep in death on Friday, October 8, 2021. Sadly, she succumbed to the Coronavirus at MVHS at St. Luke's Hospital. Mom was born in Vienna, Georgia, Dooley County, on August 28, 1945 to the late Mattie (Worley) Bembry and the late Johnny Bembry Sr. Mom was married to the late Amos Watson Sr., with whom she shared six sons, Amos (Chucky) Watson Jr., Curtis Lee Watson, Terry Lee Watson, Robert Lee Watson, Johnny Lee Watson, Marcus (Andrew) Watson, and John Paul Holston. Mom and Dad moved to Utica, New York in the late 1960s where they raised their boys with the assistance of Mom's brothers, Johnny B., Marcel, Ozell, and Daniel, who Mom helped care for while her parents worked in the fields, and sisters, Mary, Sally, Rose, Almeida, and Judy. All her siblings had a hand, some times, a heavy hand in raising and guiding her boys. Mom was the primary disciplinarian. Her siblings were an incredible joy to her, and they truly loved her in word and deed. Mom leaves behind to cherish her memory, her children, Amos (Renee), Curtis (Juanita), Terry, Robert, Johnny, Marcus, and John Paul; her siblings, Marcel (Jennifer), Daniel, and Judy; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends. Also, to mention the wonderful relationship she shared with her namesake, her daughter-in-law, Juanita (Curtis's wife) whom she renamed Juanita Jr. (LOL)... and Mom named herself Juanita Sr. She also leaves another she claimed as a daughter, Shauntel Henderson of PA. You see, Mom gave birth to seven sons, and not one girl, so she claimed her some daughters (LOL). A kind and loving mention of someone truly important and supporting for Mom, Aunt Bert (her sister-in-law), who encouraged Mom with loving counsel concerning her health... many times, a comforting voice, and words of wisdom. Aunt Bert went out of her way to do things for Mom, and of course she would say it wasn't out of her way; so many times she was just what Mom needed. Aunt Bert and Uncle Johnny B were always there when she needed help in all sorts of ways. And sometimes, pointing out things to her sons that needed to be said. Mom loved Aunt Bert-… thank you for loving her; when Jehovah calls her name, you will laugh together again. Mom was preceded in death by her parents, Johnny and Mattie Bembry, her siblings, Johnny B., OZell, Rose Winder (Roosevelt), Johnnie Mae (Sally), Almedia, Mary Woodson; Uncle George Lester, and Uncle Carl Lester Sr.; nephew, Troy Winder; cousin, Carl Lester Jr.; one grandson, and two great-grandchildren. Mom showed great love to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, even the ones she didn't get to know personally. Please be assured, she knew of you and loved you, and all of our friends over the years who came to the house on Linwood Place, (she had to run a few out! LOL), you called her Miss Bushy when you saw her in public or on the porch. Please know she sure appreciated the respect and know that she respected each of you and just hearing her grandchildren call out, “Grandma Bushy!”, (you all had the same name), she would say "Hi Baby!", because of all the names (LOL). You know, we all have a strong resemblance, (Chucky's girls for example), Mom got a big laugh out of that. Mom was everything to her boys. She tried to give them the best life she possibly could with what she had. Growing up we had very little, but we had all of our Mom. We were rich with love, attention, compassion, smiles, and laughter. One time, when we lived at D-1 Matts Apartments, we wanted to go out in the snow, but we didn't have boots. So Mom went outside, rolled a snowman into the house by the back door so that we could have a snowman. Even though she had to mop up the water, she didn't mind... the joy for her sons was worth it! Mom loved her boys with great understanding, even when we disappointed her, so many times. She kept the words of wisdom flowing with patience of iron. On a very serious note, Mom truly understood we all are accountable for everything we do and what we say. She said "You own it!". We as individuals are creatures of habit, stuck in our ways and sometimes get in our own way. With that being said, my Mom had literally given these last words to the last family member to see her living and asked them to deliver this message,..."TELL EVERBODY TO GET VACCINATED! SHE LITERALLY TOLD HER SON, Terry, TO TELL EVERBODY TO GET VACCINATED. I know Mom's saying to get vaccinated is out of love and first-hand knowledge. The damage this virus was taking on her, it sounds like advice and it came from a place of deep concern for us all. She knew the effects of this virus. Please consider, if not for yourself, think of those who depend on you and love you. We can take the advice, or not. Thank you to the nursing staff of the fifth floor at St. Luke's and the doctors for their care of our Mom (Juanita Watson), and the care you showed to her son, Terry Watson, keeping him informed of every effort taken for our Mom. Special mentions: to nieces, Carma, and Rosie, and Aunt Jennifer (her sister-in- law) for getting the photos together; to Sister Dorsey and Sister Gilmore for studying the Bible with Mom and her love for Jehovah God, and sharing the only hope for mankind, and the ever so real hope of her resurrection, into the new system, Paradise. I know I speak for all my brothers, uncles, aunts, cousins, and all her grands.... Thank you, Terry, for carrying out Mom’s last wishes to the letter, every T crossed, every I dotted. We know it was an incredible responsibility to take on. You did it with class and grace. Well done, well done. We all love you.... A Funeral Talk in Juanita’s honor will be broadcasted via zoom on October 23, 2021 at 1pm. To join the zoom please use the following link, https://jworg.zoom.us/j/82799314177