Peggy "Bernie" Lavern Watson

Peggy Lavern Watson affectionately known as “Bernie”, was the fifteenth child born on February 16, 1939, to the late Walter and Mary Lottie Swann in Port Tobacco, Maryland. On the afternoon of March 10, 2024, with family by her side, she peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home. Throughout Bernie’s life, God showered her with His Grace, Love, and Mercy. Her introduction to Jesus Christ came at an early age. She was very devoted into her Catholic faith and kept the word of God in her heart. She was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Howard L. Watson, Sr. on June 25, 1955, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Waldorf, Maryland. God then blessed them with seven children. They were married for 63 years until his passing in November of 2018. Bernie attended schools in Charles County, Maryland at the historic Port Tobacco One-Room Schoolhouse in Port Tobacco, Maryland and Bel Alton High School in Bel Alton, Maryland. She accomplished her goal in receiving her General Education Diploma on December 27, 1974. Bernie was a hardworking woman who was blessed with many employment opportunities over the course of her life. She had an excellent work ethic and enjoyed working with others. Desiring to find a fulfilling career, Bernie experimented with various jobs until she found a career match in the Prince George’s County Public School System. She worked as a cook in the cafeteria of Brandywine Elementary School, where all of her children attended. She later went on to fulfill her career as a School Bus Driver, which she thoroughly enjoyed and retired from on January 31, 1994. Bernie lived an impactful life and was literally the “Jewel” of her family. Sharing her many gifts of service and mercy with others was her heart’s desire. She had a genuine love and concern for people and always extended a helpful hand. To show her love and concern, she often enjoyed sending personal notes, cards, text messages, and gifts. She also served on the board at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Brandywine, Maryland in their Lady’s Sodality. Bernie loved to cook, especially cabbage and fried potatoes. Everyone loved her potato salad, kale, collard greens, and homemade banana pudding. She loved gardening, crafts, crossword puzzles, and watching television shows, especially country westerns. In addition to her loving parents, Bernie is preceded in death by her husband, Howard L. Watson, Sr., daughter, Constance D. Watson; son, Kenneth L. Watson; nephew, Wendell K. Watson who was a bonus son, and thirteen siblings. Bernie leaves her treasured memories to her beloved 5 children: Phyllis McCrory, Howard (Howdy) Watson, Jr. (Kacy), Christopher Watson (Valerie), Bridgette Watson, Angela Watson-Spinner (Marvin). 14 Grandchildren: Philip Robinson, Kerry Watson (Tia), LaTasha Coleman (Kevin), Devan McCrory (Lisa), KaTray Watson Sr.(Roxanne), Jarrell Watson, Kelvis Watson, Robert Watson (Nichelle), Brandon Watson Sr. (Roche), LyKendra Watson, Terrance Watson, Patrick Watson, Katrina Watson, and Marvin Spinner II. 28 Great-Grandchildren, 2 Great-Great Grandchildren, her sister Georgianna Penny, and a host of family and friends. Bernie has left an everlasting impact on each person she ever touched and not only will she remain in our memory but forever in our hearts.

Peggy "Bernie" Lavern Watson

February 16, 1939 - March 10, 2024