Joyce Bowen Watson

Joyce Bowen Watson of Raleigh, North Carolina formerly of Greenwood, MS went home to be with the LORD on October 16, 2020. She was born on August 28, 1941 in Indianola, Mississippi to the late James Russell and Inez Bailey. She graduated from John Rundle High School in Grenada, Mississippi.

In Greenwood, Joyce was an active member of the First Baptist Church. She was also a member of the Junior Auxiliary, LeBonte Women’s Club and a lifetime member of Colonial Dames of the 17th Century. She served as various officers in these organizations. She enjoyed performing in the Greenwood Little Theater, playing bridge and served as one of the leaders of her daughter’s Girl Scout Troops. After moving to Raleigh, Joyce was a member of Wake Forest Baptist Church where she was a soloist in the choir. She never met a stranger and developed fast friendships.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, James Russell Bailey, Jr. She is survived by her husband, Harold Ray Watson; daughter, Alisa Bowen Jernigan (Steve); grandson, Jonathan Bowen Jernigan of Opelika, Alabama; sisters Barbara Bailey Brummett of Southaven, Mississippi and Margaret Bailey Hall of Irving, Texas and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Monday, October 19 at 2pm at Wake Forest Baptist Church Fellowship Hall with Dr. Bill Slater officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 1pm at the church. The burial will be in Grenada Memorial Gardens in Grenada, Mississippi with a graveside service Friday, October 23 at 2pm with the Reverend J.E. Mortimer officiating.

Bright Funeral Home, Wake Forest is serving the Watson family.

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