Ruth Lee Watson

Ruth Lee Watson, 94, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2023 at her home. Born October 11, 1928 in Carrsville, VA, Isle of Wight County. She was the daughter of the late William Jasper Lee and Mary White Lee. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, of 63 years, E. C. Watson, and her son, Clay Watson. Ruth graduated from Carrsville High School in 1948 where she was a member of the basketball team. She married E. C. on September 18, 1949 in Franklin, VA where E. C. had started his career with Roses Stores, Inc. After living in Morehead City, NC and Portsmouth, VA, they moved to Henderson, NC in 1960. Ruth was a member of the Henderson Country Club where she was an avid golfer for over 40 years. During her golfing years, she made two holes-in-one. In addition to being an avid golfer, she was also a phenomenal bridge player continuing to play bridge well into her 90’s and was known as “The Queen of No Trump.” Ruth and her husband traveled extensively throughout the US after E.C.’s retirement, traveling in all 50 states. They were charter members of Central Baptist Church where she remained a member until her death. She was a part of the Central Baptist Church Nursing Home Encouragement Ministry. Ruth was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. A funeral service will be held at Central Baptist Church, 2574 Ruin Creek Rd, Henderson, NC, 27537 at 2:00 PM on Thursday, March 9, 2023 by Rev. Allen Mustain. A private graveside burial will follow at Sunset Gardens for family members where she will be laid to rest beside her husband. The family will receive friends prior to the service on Thursday from 1:00 to 2:00 PM in the fellowship hall of Central Baptist Church. She is survived by her three daughters; Sharon Ruth Martin (Chuck) of Fairfax, VA; Brenda Satterwhite (Mike) of Henderson; and Lisa Manning (Greg) of Newland; her daughter-in-law, Karen M. Watson of Henderson. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Kim Weller (Jeff), Nick Martin, Skip Satterwhite (Danielle), Zach Satterwhite (Susan), Sonia Allen (Liko), Brandon Watson (Abby); and Blake Manning as well as 11 great grandchildren: Mia, Maci, Tre, Lucy, Mili, Avery, Hayley, Jude, Caroline, Piper, Cecilia. Serving as pallbearers will be Skip Satterwhite, Zach Satterwhite, Nick Martin, Brandon Watson, Blake Manning, Liko Allen, and Jeff Weller. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Central Baptist Church, https://www.centralbc.com/give, or 2574 Ruin Creek Rd. Henderson, NC 27537. The family would like to extend a very special “thank you” to her loving caregiver, Evelyn Chappell and to her bridge club for their support and kindness