- Date Of Birth: June 7, 1945
- Date Of Death: November 5, 2022
- State: Maryland
On Saturday, November 5, 2022, an angel stopped by the bedside of George A. Watson, Jr. to say “come with me… your work on earth is done. George, born on June 7, 1945, was the 2nd child of Gladys and George A. Watson, Sr. He grew up in Southeast Washington, DC and graduated from Eastern High School. He was a very compassionate and caring person and wanted to follow in his maternal grandmother’s footsteps to become a nurse even though this was not a popular career choice for a man at that time. He chose North Carolina Agricultural and Technical College (NC A&T) to pursue his dream, graduating as a nursing professional in 1969. George was the 2nd male to graduate from the School of Nursing at NC A&T College.
While attending NC A&T, he met a fellow classmate, Lee Audrey Hammonds who became the love of his life. After graduation, they launched their nursing careers and both secured jobs at Freedman’s Hospital (now Howard University in Washington, DC). George spent most of his career at the Veterans’ Medical Center in the emergency room and was proud to say that he trained many interns about the “correct procedures” that were expected as one working in that high extensive area in the hospital. He reluctantly retired in 2003, but often reflected on the people that he had met as patients. He took the time to get to know every patient as best he could to provide the best possible care.
George was very passionate about the multiple hobbies he had and did his best to share them with those he loved. Few people knew that George was a “history buff”, especially black history. He spent countless hours in his “downstairs office” reading his many books or playing games on his computer. He regularly engaged in deep conversation with his son (George III) and grandsons (Bradley and Robert) to ensure they didn’t forget the struggles of the African American male in American society and also ensured that they remained politically engaged.
George was truly a family man.
George had a quiet spirit and always seemed to not let anything ruffle his feathers. He had a love of nature and spent time alone driving to places where he could take spectacular nature photos. He saw God’s beauty in trees, plants and even in the clouds. Of course, he took pictures of family, but he took his time to develop them. George spent many quiet moments in his “sanctuary” (his workshop). This was not an ordinary workshop, but one the size of 2-3 bedrooms and equipped with every hand tool imaginable. He certainly earned the title of “Handyman Extraordinaire”.
George was preceded in death by his parents, George Sr and Gladys Watson Winston; Step-father, William Winston and his daughter, Deirdre’ LaShawne Watson, DVM.
He leaves to cherish fond memories his wife of 56 years Lee Audrey, his son George Watson III and his wife Lynn (Lorinda) Watson, grandsons Bradley Watson and Robert Weeks Jr, granddaughters Elizabeth and Sarah Phan, great grandsons Jayden and Javian Weeks, sister Jearsel Watson, nephews Dr. Ronald Watson Jr and Ralph D’Abreau Jr, nieces Lynnette Hawthorne, Daphne Hammonds and Constance Barnes (husband Frederick), great niece Loren Watson, great nieces / god daughters Kira and Bria Roy. He will also be remembered by the many relatives, friends, and co-workers whose lives he touched.
