Mrs. Elsie Ruth Watson

Elsie “Ruth” Watson was born September 12, 1934, in Freeman, Virginia to Lewis Barnes and Sadie Moss. She was one of 11 siblings. Ruth followed her sisters, Jeanette Reese and Carrie Barnes to Queens, NY in 1953. She worked as a care giver for the Pearl family in Great Neck, NY. Ruth always had a nurturing and caring heart, which she poured into the family daily over several years. A lifelong loving bond was formed. Ruth loved to tell the story of meeting her husband, David S. Watson, when she walked into a drugstore in Great Neck, where Dave worked part-time as a delivery driver. It is heartwarming to think about what God sparked with their union, knowing the beautiful family that they went on to have, and all who were blessed through their love. Ruth and David married in 1957. They sacrificed and saved to purchase their home in Hempstead, NY, where they raised their 5 children. As we know, God makes room for our gifts and purpose. During Ruth’s time working at the Pearl’s, she was able to complete her high school studies. She went on to study nursing and received her practical nursing license. She began her nursing career at A. Holly Patterson Nursing Home in Uniondale, NY and remained until her retirement. Family and friends always felt welcomed at Ruth and Dave’s home. There was always room at their kitchen table. Just as her sisters had helped her move up to New York, and helped her find work, Ruth and Dave offered a loving and supportive home base for their siblings, nieces, and nephews. One of the most beautiful highlights was to host the wedding of her niece, Brenda and husband Henry Coker in their home. Ruth lost the love of her life when David passed away in 1987. Her empty arms and new chapter in life became filled with her dedication to family, faith, travel, and career. She was a proud and active member of Faith Baptist Church in Hempstead. Her heart to serve and care for others made her a blessing to many through serving in the Women of Faith Missionaries. She kept herself busy checking in with the sick and shut in, serving grieving families and hosting trips to Sight & Sound in Pennsylvania. Ruth loved to travel. She cruised annually with her brother Clarence and his wife Jessie Barnes or her baby sister, Shirley Epps. Dropping Ruth and her siblings off for their departures was like dropping teens off at the movies. Amazing to see that from their humble beginnings in Virginia, they would get to go on beautiful cruises. Ruth visited England, Paris, Alaska, Hawaii and loved to go on Caribbean Island excursions. Her defining role as Grandma Ruth, created memories rooted in unconditional love and faith. Time spent with her created lasting memories. Grandma Ruth indulged each grandchild in their favorite things, whether their favorite food, or favorite travel adventure. After living in Hempstead for 57 years, she took a leap of faith and moved to Beacon, NY, where she became Mama Ruth to numerous friends who became family. She was known for blessing those she loved with beautiful, crocheted blankets. Ruth’s glowing smile and warm embrace was seen around the country as a beautiful model in Visiting Angel Commercials. In March of 2024, after living in Beacon almost 10 years, she moved to Baltimore, Maryland to Charter Assisted Living. Charter quickly felt like home. Ruth, age 89, passed away peacefully April 23, 2024, in Baltimore, MD. She is survived by her brother Clarence Barnes, and wife Camilla, her daughter Sadie Thompson, and husband Kenneth, son Steven Watson, and his wife Hannah, daughter Donna Haynes, and her husband Jeff. Her light will continue to shine through her grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Tributes

Mrs. Elsie Ruth Watson

September 12, 1934 - April 23, 2024