Carol June Watson

June 21, 1933 - June 18, 2020

So many people are feeling the loss of Carol June Watson, 86, of Traverse City, who passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 18, 2020 at Samaritas Senior Living in Williamsburg, MI. She was incredibly generous and thoughtful, finding the best in everyone while staying true to her own values. Kind, loving, and full of joy, Carol gave her whole heart to her family, friends, and all that she did. Carol was born on June 21, 1933 in Greenleaf Township to the late Carroll and Mary Malvina (Gilbert) Howarth. She remained devoted friends with her older sister, Barbara (Howarth) Bird, all of their lives. She attended Cass City schools where she met the love of her life, Charles “Chuck” James Watson. Carol and Chuck were married on June 23, 1956 in Cass City, Michigan. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Michigan State University and a Master’s Degree from the University of Washington. Although she lived in many places including Redmond WA, Cass City, Birmingham, and Traverse City, MI, Carol remained a dedicated Spartan the rest of her life. She taught art and elementary grades at private and public schools, and improved the lives of countless students. Carol served as a union representative, taking on the role of secretary for her union for the last six years before retirement. She finally retired from the Farmington Public School District in 1995. She and her husband Chuck had a great retirement, moving to Traverse City, traveling, attending special events in their family’s lives, and enjoying time with friends. Throughout her life she volunteered by reading to students, helping with her church, as well as working with the Sail and Power Squadron, retiree groups, local government, and others. She was a tireless champion of children and anyone in need. She embodied unconditional love. Those of us lucky to be in her family (including extended family) and her large circle of friends knew we could always count on her for a smile, encouragement, and genuine caring. Carol is survived by her older daughter Wendy Watson and Wendy’s husband, Eric Otting, younger daughter Rebecca Watson and her husband, Alan Morris, and son Daniel Watson and his wife Victoria (Carter) Watson. Also surviving are seven grandchildren; Grace and Clare Otting, Morgan and Aidan Watson-Morris, Clark “Jonah”, Elijah, and Kai Watson, brother-in-law Jack Bird and sister-in-law Charlotte Sangster, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.She was preceded in death by her sister Barbara, and beloved husband Chuck after more than 60 years of marriage. All of her children and grandchildren were lucky enough to have the chance to say goodbye in the last month of her life. Right to the end she was bright, funny, optimistic, and loving, and believed her death was just the start of a new journey. Carol was one of the friendliest, most upbeat, and least judgmental people you could meet, she made the world a better place, and she will be deeply missed by so many. Friends are welcome to tune into RJFH.TV on Friday, July 3, 2020 at 4pm to attend Carol’s virtual service. Pastor Dale Ostema will officiate. Burial has taken place at Yuba Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to: Smile Train, American Cancer Society, Democratic Unity Fund. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Carol’s family on her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.