Vernon Morgan Watson,

Vernon Morgan Watson, Jr.,58,was born April 3, 1949 to Ethel H. Watson and the late Vernon Watson of Varina,Virginia. His paternal grandparents,Preston and Lottie had 14 children,of whom only two daughters remain,Edith W.Jasper and Hortense W. Matthews,both of Richmond. His maternal grandparents,Thomas and Alyce Holmes also had 14 children;seven daughters remain,Alyce H. Adkins and Aretha H. Fields of Washington, DC.,Florine H. Hall of Waco,Texas,Bessie H.Robinson,Veora H. Waller,Elaine H.Pleasants,and Ethel H. Easter,all of Richmond.Vernon departed this life in God's loving care on Tuesday,February 5, 2008. He was preceded in death by his father,Vernon Morgan Watson,Sr. and step-father,James H. Easter.Vernon was baptized at St.James Baptist Church at the age of seven where he attended church services and Sunday School.Vernon was educated in the Henrico county School System,including Virginia Randolph High School. He graduated from Varina High School,where he excelled in track and field. After attending Virginia Union University and Morgan State College,he entered the United States Army and received an honorable discharge. He served much of his time in Korea,where he studied Karate(Tae Kwan Do)and earned his black belt. Vernon also graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University.He met and married Yongcha Kim and from their union was born a wonderful daughter,Ashley Yongcha Watson. Vernon worked in the private and public sector,including operating his own business and most recently for the Virginia Division of Child Support Enforcement.In May 2002,he married Pat,with whom he had worked and been friends for more than twenty years. They were married in the land that originally belonged to his beloved grandfather,Papa Tom. They enjoyed many happy times,traveled to many wonderful places,and spent many great times with their close friends and family. Vernon had a passion for many things,including reading,the guitar music(especially the blues),history,religion and always sought to learn as much as possible. He was especially interested in his family's history and loved to share stories of hisfamily. He had a tremendous sense of humor,and loved to laugh.He is survived by his devoted wife,Patricia A. Watson;daughter,Ashley Y. Watson;mother,Ethel H. Easter;grandson,Franklin Brown,IV;brother,Jerry T. Watson,all of Richmond. He is also survived by his step-mother,Brenda G. Watson;sister,Vernee W. Williams(Robert);brother,Maurice A. Watson,all of Philadelphia. Other mourning his loss are step-sister,Connie E. Pinnock(Ralph)and step-niece,Katherine King of Texas;brother-in-law,James R. Addison,of South Carolina(Kris),Yongcha Kim Watson and Franklin Brown III, of Richmond;eight aunts,numerous cousins and other family members,close friends and colleagues.

Tributes

Vernon Morgan Watson,

April 3, 1949 - February 5, 2008