Mary Jeanne Watson

Mary Jeanne Lassiter Watson (“Mana”) passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, August 11, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Mary Jeanne was born in Fairburn, Georgia on June 6, 1937, to Shirley and Ellen Lassiter. She is preceded in death by her husband, Horace Milton “Red” Watson. She is survived by a family who adored her: daughters, Pam Watson Rentz (Patrick) and Diane Watson Sweat (Mike); grandchildren, Christopher Rentz (Rachel), Katie Rentz Hawkins (Jacob), and Corey Sweat (Sarah); great-grandchildren, Jackson Hawkins, Annabelle Hawkins, Mariella Hawkins, Landon Rentz and Noah Rentz; and sister Dell Ellenberg. Mary Jeanne graduated from Campbell High School in 1955 where she was active, studious and well-liked - even voted among the Most Popular for her senior class. Her love of education never stopped, as she obtained her teaching degree from Oglethorpe University, and touched countless lives as a teacher at Union City and Seaborn Lee Elementary Schools. She took particular pride in helping students learn to read and write, and watching as they became successful adults – including one student who went on to become an Atlanta Braves Baseball Player. Her leadership and ability to teach carried across her life, including years as a Girl Scout troop leader, where she taught many South Fulton youth how to make her famous campfire stew and so much more. She was a dedicated member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School and sang beautifully in the choir for decades. Mary Jeanne married her next-door neighbor and love, Red Watson, in 1957. Together they enjoyed Model “A” cars and were members of the Model “A” Restorer’s Club where they traveled all over meeting new friends and sharing information about these historic, beautiful cars. The pair loved bringing their Model As to local parades, and even ascended Pike’s Peak in Colorado, which is no easy feat, especially in a Model “A” car! Mountains held a special place for her, and she and Red spent many afternoons on the porch of their mountain house in Ellijay, Georgia on the lookout for black bears. Mary Jeanne loved spending time with old friends, reading a good book, making apple jelly and tending to a campfire. Her favorite, and undoubtedly most important, passion was being there for and loving her family. Her proudest roles were those of mother, grandmother and great grandmother - she shined in them all. She loved her family dearly and couldn’t wait to hear about everything everyone was doing. She made it a point to attend any event her family was a part of: dance recitals, little league games, soccer games, horse shows, track meets and more. She loved nothing more than watching her family learn and grow. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 18, 2023 from 12:00 until 2:00 PM at Parrott Funeral Home in Fairburn. A celebration of Mary Jeanne’s life, officiated by Dr. Kenneth “Lou” Koon, will be held immediately following visitation at 2 o’clock in the chapel of Parrott’s Funeral Home. Interment will be at Fairburn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mount Vernon Baptist Church www.mvbcfairburn.org. Those wishing may sign the online guest book at www.parrottfuneralhome.com.

Mary Jeanne Watson

June 6, 1937 - August 11, 2023