Rosemary Payne Watson

Rosemary Payne Watson, 75, went home to be with her Savior on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, surrounded by those who love her. Rosemary was born on June 15, 1949, in Jefferson County, Alabama, to James Fletcher Payne and Mary Mildred Seale Payne, both of whom precede her in death.

At the age of 9 Rosemary wanted to be a preacher or missionary. Then she changed directions and wanted to be a pharmacist. But at the age of 19 she was called to teach. Rosemary earned her master's degree in education. She served her community and children as a Kindergarten teacher, Kindergarten Director, Math Coach, and Special Needs teacher. She loved touching their lives and helping them to learn.

Rosemary was also called to be a wife, mother, and grandmother. Her proudest moments were when her daughters, Angel, Melissa, and Stephanie accepted Christ as their Savior; then when they married and gave she and her husband, David 8 beautiful grandchildren. She loved to sew, paint, write poetry, and sing in the choir.

Rosemary accepted Christ at the age of 9 years old and was baptized as a Southern Baptist at Tarrant First Baptist Church. She leaves a legacy of faith, love, grace, kindness, positivity, and patience. Her favorite passage in the Bible is John 3:16. She lived her life to point others to the true meaning of this passage and to Jesus. Rosemary always wanted to be a positive role model who always showed her life to be one of loving and following the Lord. One of her favorite hymns was Old Rugged Cross, which is also the first song she ever sang solo at church.

“So, I'll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross and exchange it someday for a crown.”

She is survived by her loving husband, David Earl Watson; her daughters, Rosemary Angelique Killian (Ted), Melissa Patrece Rigdon (Chris), and Stephanie Grace Payne (Darrell); grandchildren, Mary-Elizabeth Killian, Anna-Katherine Killian, Madeline Elyse Rigdon, Nicolaus Alexander Rigdon, Austin Brock Payne, Matthew Benjamin Payne, Samantha Bevin Payne, and Joshua Beau Payne.

The family will receive visitors on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 10:30 am until 11:00 am in the Celebration Chapel of Johns Ridout’s Elmwood Chapel. A celebration of Rosemary’s life will follow at 11:00 am. She will be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery.