Kathleen Gillespie Watson Obituary
Six Mile, SC
Kathleen Gillespie Watson, 94, died peacefully at home on October 3, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She joined C. E. (Ed) Watson, her husband of 73 years, and her parents, Janie Walker Gillespie and Lawrence Eugene Gillespie and her six older siblings, who were all waiting for her in heaven. She is survived by her children, Carolyn (Ralph) Bolding, Cindy (Garnett) Watson, and Steve Watson; and her grandchildren, Katie (Geoff) McDowell, Brian (Jamey) Bolding, Gabe (Aleesha) Bolding, Jessica (Tyeler) Prater, Jon (Lauren) Bolding, Jahanna (Tim) Schwab, Josiah Bolding, Walker (Caitlin) Watson, Meggie (Josh) Roseborough, Jordan and Justice Harrison; 18 great grandchildren; her sister-in-law Doris (Boyce) Whitman, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Kathleen was a lifelong member of Praters Creek Baptist Church, where she was a constant, faithful witness within the church community. She taught Sunday School, initiated the senior citizens group, and cared for church members young and old through her diligent prayers and constant presence. She helped family members and neighbors alike through crisis and hardships. She was a compassionate mentor and role model and touched many people throughout her long life.
Kathleen attended Praters Grade School and was the valedictorian of the Six Mile High School 1947 Class. Following graduation, Kathleen attended Draughn’s Business College in Greenville and then worked in the accounting department at Ballantine Meats.
Kathleen married Ed Watson in 1949, and they lived in Greenville until 1953, when they moved back to Praters Creek Community. Kathleen helped to build their family home and was a devoted mother to her three children and a caring aunt to many nieces and nephews.
In 1966 she began a new career working in the school lunch program, first at Six Mile Elementary, then as the kitchen manager at Morrison Elementary in Clemson. She was quickly noticed for her leadership and accounting skills and became the assistant manager and later the head of the Pickens County School Lunch Program. She was known as a servant leader who treated people fairly and led by example. She was loved for her willingness to roll up her sleeves with her employees and join them serving on the lunch line or even washing the dishes if needed.
She was known by her faith and generous spirit as a terrific cook, and by her account baked over 100 Pound Cakes and Lemon Pies as gifts of her love and care for neighbors, friends and family. Kathleen’s home in Six Mile, surrounded by family, gardens, and birds, became a place of comfort and joy that nurtured her long life with Ed and her deep faith and witness for God.
The family will be at Liberty Mortuary on October 6 with visitation at 1:00 pm and funeral service at 2:00pm. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse for the Asheville / Blue Ridge Mountains Recovery work.
You may share a memory and offer condolences to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
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