Obituary

Rita wilson watson, age 92, passed away peacefully after a short illness at camc- general hospital in charleston, wv on november 13, 2018 with her family at her side.

Born and raised in wellsburg, wv to nellie and henry wilson, she learned early in life the core values of family, service and responsibility, as her father died when she was a young child, and she helped with the younger children, the home, and working in the family store.

Rita moved to charleston, wv to accept a job at the wv state capitol at age 19, and later met her future husband, william franklin watson. They were married in 1951. After several years at home with her three children, rita returned to working and began her employment with the wv house of delegates judiciary committee in 1966. She was promoted to position of executive assistant of the house judiciary committee, with her total time there lasting 45 years. In 2007, she was honored by the wv house of delegates by house resolution 42 noting her ” outstanding career and unfaltering service to the house of delegates and to the state of wv” and bestowed the title of “executive assistant emeritus of the judiciary committee”. After a break while caring for her husband, bill, in his declining health, she returned to work for the wv house of delegates once again, this time in the house clerk’s office as assistant to the clerk from 2008-2014. In total, rita worked over wv 50 legislative sessions.

Also devoted to her faith, family, and community, she was an active member of sacred heart co- cathedral in charleston and earlier attended blessed sacrament in south charleston and st. John’s in wellsburg, wv. She hosted numerous gatherings in her home for family and friends and was active in the community. She served as a girl scout leader, volunteered with the united way, meals on wheels, and was a member of the university of charleston women builders, midland garden club, and charleston women’s club. She was an avid gardener and reader, loved traveling with her husband bill, and especially loved visiting and spending time with family and friends.

Rita was predeceased by her parents, her husband, william franklin watson, and siblings ursula durbin, mary leslie, jo-anne east, henry wilson, and john wilson. She was also predeceased by one great-great granddaughter, jemma simpson

she is survived by her three children: edwin watson ( debby) of winfield, wv, barbara walker ( hank) of charleston, wv, and patricia watson of south charleston, wv. Also surviving are grandchildren, david humphrey, kimberly spelce, annie walker, and evan walker; and five great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

Mass of christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.M. Saturday, november 17, 2018 at sacred heart co-cathedral with father binu emmanuel officiating. burial will follow in sunset memorial park, south charleston, wv.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.M. Until time of the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, to honor rita’s memory, the family suggests donations to meals on wheels, kanawha valley senior services, or the community organization of your choice.

You may send condolences to the family at www.Barlowbonsall.Com

barlow-bonsall funeral home has been entrusted to handle the arrangements.

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9 responses to Rita Wilson Watson

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Judge John W. Hatcher, Jr. says:

August 10, 2021

Location: Fayetteville West Virginia

I Was Sadden To Learn Of The Passing Of My Good Friend, Rita Watson. I Was Member Of The House Of Delegates For Eight Years, And The Last Four Years I Was Chairman Of The House Judiciary Committee And Dear Rita Was My Administrative Assistant. With Her Work Ethic, Loyalty, Hard Work, Devotion And Institutional Knowledge And Memory, I Was Able To Survive And Succeed As Judiciary Chairman.

My Sincerest And Deepest Sympathy Is Sent To Rita’S Entire Family.

Reply
James Lees says:

August 10, 2021

Relationship: Attorney
Location: Charleston West Virginia

Please Accept My Condolences On The Passing Of Your Mother Grandmother. When I Was Named Special Prosecutor In The Impeachment Of A.James Manchin Back In The Late 1980’S I Had The Pleasure Of Working With Rita For Many Months As I Put The Case Together And Eventually Issued A Long And Detailed Report, Every Page Of Which Rita Scrutinized, Edited, And Typed. She Was A Lovely Person To Know And Work With And Later Helped With My Campaign For Governor. Please Know How Fond I Grew Of Her And How Much I Admired Her . She Was A Truly Wonderful Addition To The Human Race. May God Shine His Blessings Upon Her And Your Family.

Reply
Chuck Chambers says:

August 10, 2021

Relationship: Colleague
Location: West Virginia

Rita Was My Colleague, Friend And Confidante For The 18 Years I Served In The House. She Was The Key Ingredient In The Judiciary Committee That Made It The Gold Standard For Legislative Service. She Kept Chairmen Like Joe Albright And Staff Lawyers Like John Sibray And Mike Mowery, And Those Who Followed, Under Control And Headed In The Same Direction. Rita Leaves A Legacy Of Excellence, Professionalism, And Dedication: A True Public Servant.

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Delegate M Sharon Malcolm says:

August 10, 2021

Relationship: Co Worker. Woman Club Sister Garden Club Sister
Location: Charleston West Virginia

I Am Sorry For The Passing Of Rita. She Will Be Remembered For Her Endless Engery. Always A Yes!

Reply
Greg Gray says:

August 10, 2021

Relationship: Friend
Location: Charleston Alabama

Rita Was A Fine, Fine Person, And Her Constancy And Perfection In Her Work Was Unequalled. I First Met Her In 1973, And I Had The Good Fortune To Work With Her Throughout Her Many Years In House Judiciary, Then I Was Lucky Enough To Have Her As My Assistant As House Clerk. Her Work Was Perfection, Her Demeanor Was Always Professional, Her Dedication To Her Work And To Her Family Was Impeccable. I Am Blessed To Have Known Her For So Many Years, And I Will Always Remember Her With Deepest Respect And Affection.

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