Lydia C. (Russell) Watson

Lydia C. (Russell) Watson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June 4, 1926, to the late James T. and Ethel M. (Bell) Russell. Lydia was the oldest of five and the sister of four brothers, the late James Jr., John, Gamaliel and Quinton Russell.

She graduated from Howard High School in Wilmington, Delaware, June 1944.

On December 25, 1943 Lydia joined in holy matrimony to her soul mate, the late Enoch A. Watson, Sr. From this loving union ten children were born; Enock, Jr. (Barbara) California, Denise Marshall, Annette Forehand, Gamaliel(Snake), Wanda and Carlton(Angela) Watson, of Delaware Bonita Busby, of Tennessee, Alisa Megginson, of Nevada. Proceeding in death by Kadeejia(Dee) Jackson and Alturo Watson.

The beautiful Queen of Ten, entered into her heavenly mansion on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at the home of her devoted daughter, Annette Forehand, surrounded by her loving family.
Her greatest devotion of life was as a kind, loving and dedicatedIn 1969, at the age of 42, she pursued her long standing career, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and Great-Great Grandmother. She was a “GREAT” role model and she lived a good Christian life.

In 1969, at the age of 42, she pursued her long standing career with the City of Wilmington. She became employed as a PREO (Parking Regulations Enforcement Officer) in the Wilmington Police Department, later transferring to the Department of License and Inspections as a Field Representative, and finally served as the Secretary of Park Maintenance, up until she retired in 1989, completing twenty years of dedicated service. She was highly respected and loved by everyone whose path she crossed.

Lydia was an active member in the community, and was a lifetime member of Mother AUFCMP(African Union First Colored Methodist Protestant) Church and was an Emeritus Trustee, where she held the position of Treasurer for many years. She was a Missionary, and an Emeritus Stewardess for well into her later years. She was a longtime member of the August Quarterly Committee under the Pastoral Leadership of Reverend Albert Jarmen.

In her spare time she enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family.

She leaves to cherish her “Beautiful” memories 8 children; 19 grandchildren,45 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren, sister-in-law, Ada Wanamaker, brother-in-law, Nathaniel(Kathy) Watson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Special thanks to Cousin Cheris C. Allen

A celebration of her life will be held on Wednesday April 10, 2019 at 6:00 PM. Viewing, 4:00 pm-6:00 PM, Mother African Union First Colored Methodist Protestant Church, 812 N. Franklin Street, Wilmington, DE 19805. Interment, Pine Tree Cemetery, Townsend, DE.