EVANGELIST RACHEL (GRIFFIN) WATSON

Rachel Watson passed away on Thursday, November 7, 2024, in Waycross, GA. Born on August 5, 1926, Rachel lived a life of generous service and devout faith, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her.

Rachel was preceded to heaven by her parents, Milton and Audrey Griffin, 12 siblings, and her childhood sweetheart and husband, Richard Watson, whom she married in 1951. She is survived by her beloved sister, Virgaree (Griffin) Hicks, her great nephew George B. Griffin Jr, and her great nieces Michelle E. Griffin and Candace O. Griffin, along with dozens of cousins, nieces, nephews and godchildren from multiple generations. 

Jesus said in Matthew 25:40, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."  Helping others and fulfilling her Evangelical mission was natural to Evangelist Watson. She loved everyone and helped the people around her with joy, and an unwavering spirit of generosity. She looked out for the elderly and assisted young families, children, the addicted, and the disabled regardless of how little she had. Her door was always open with love.

When George and Michelle were 7 and 5 years old and needed a home, she took them in and raised them as her own, providing stability, protection, and love, and enriching their lives beyond measure.  Rachel, who never had biological children, did this for countless youth, as well as adults everywhere she lived. Darell Pope, Paul Pope, Angelina Pope†, Larry (Mighty Boy) Edwards†, Cynthia Walton, Latisha Brooks, and Jacqueline Drain Proctor, are just a handful of the many to whom she provided a mother’s love. She also cared for her mother, Audrey, through the very moment of her transition to Heaven, as well as her brother, James Arthur Griffin, in his last years, and her younger sister, Virgaree late into 2021.

Rachel's selflessness was reflected by those around her. When she needed help, her community came willingly. People like Shenna Washington, and Betty Farmer and many others took care of her with the same kindness she took care of others.

An adventurous, talented, and beautiful woman, Rachel was part of the Great Migration, living in NYC, Chicago, and Atlanta. She had a lovely and powerful singing voice which she exhibited at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, before committing her life to God. In addition, she was a skilled beautician who operated shops in Chicago and Atlanta, and continued to provide beautiful hairstyles well into her later years in Waycross. She was also a great cook, with an exceptional green thumb, and she had a remarkable ability in keeping the many scattered branches of her family connected.

A member of Mason Temple Church of God in Christ, Rachel's life was defined by her profound faith and her commitment to her lord and savior Jesus Christ, as she preached, taught, mentored and shared the gospel with thousands through her life. The hand of God was evident in her life as he spared her, unscathed, from a violent car accident that maimed and killed other passengers. Evangelist Watson loved and worshipped God with all her heart, and strived to be more like Jesus Christ. Her legacy is one of forgiveness, compassion, service, and patience, and she will continue to inspire all who knew her.

We mourn Rachel's passing but celebrate her extraordinary life and her transition to her eternal home in Heaven. She gave of herself like no other, and the world is a better place for it. Her memory will live on in the countless lives she touched. May we all continue to bask in the afterglow of Aunt Rachel's love.

Services of care and comfort entrusted to the caring professionals of Fluker Funeral Home, Inc., 985 Ossie Davis Parkway, Waycross, Georgia 31501

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