Katie Carl Olga Brackeen Watson

Katie Carl Brackeen Watson, affectionately known as Carl, was born in Phoenix, Arizona on December 23, 1924. She was the fourth of five children born to Robert and Callie White Brackeen. At the age of 6, along with her siblings, she moved to Bristow, Oklahoma and was raised by her paternal aunt, Tedie and uncle, Thomas Grissom. Aunt Tedie was an educator and principal at Langston, High School so it is no surprise that education was highly valued by the family.

Carl began her education at Harlinsville Elementary School and graduated from Lincoln High School in Bristow, Oklahoma. During her school days she was involved in the 4H Club, played basketball and was regarded as a very bright and promising student.

Carl’s successful pursuit of higher education culminated with her graduation from Langston University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, with Minors in Social Work and Business. Carl’s early career was as an elementary school teacher in Harlinsville, Oklahoma where she taught first and second grades. Blessed with an exceptionally beautiful voice, Carl really wanted to become an opera singer. However, she responded to the advice of her elders to carry on the important responsibilities, and legacy of family educators.

In 1946, Carl met Ernest Hale and blessed to this union was Robert Ernest Hale and Ruby Carol Hale. She later relocated to the East Bay, California and in November of 1950 Carl and Waymon Watson married. They were blessed with three daughters; Nancy Leah Watson, Maurrissa Ann Watson, and Mary Christina Watson. During the early 1950’s, Carl taught at an elementary school when it was unknown to the school district that she was African American. When her school records from Oklahoma arrived and her true race was discovered, she was terminated. This did not discourage Carl from seeking other employment opportunities. For many years, she worked as a keypunch operator for the US Navy Supply Company in Alameda, California. In addition, Carl held the position as Secretary for the Superintendent of the Oakland School District.

Carl began her relationship with Christ at Harlinsville Baptist Church in Bristow, Oklahoma. She accepted Christ and was baptized at a young age. In 1951, she joined Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Berkeley, California. A dedicated steward of the church, Carl worked as church secretary, pastor secretary, choir member, choir director and director of the youth department. In 1961 Carl joined Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Berkeley, California where she also served as pastor secretary, church clerk, choir member, choir director and youth director. With her spiritual gift as a vocalist, she was often invited to perform at various churches throughout the Bay Area. Her favorite and most requested song to perform was, How Great Thou Art. Carl was also on the Church Mission Board and an active member of the Eastern Star.

In April 1970, Carl lost her husband and their children, a wonderful father. As a single parent, she worked hard and raised her children in Berkeley, California and other East Bay cities. In 1974 Carl and her children relocated to San Jose, California. During her early years in San Jose, Carl was a Unit/Clerk Secretary for Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children Services.

The family briefly attended Antioch Baptist Church before joining St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. An active member, Carl was church secretary, choir member, served on the Mission Board and directed the youth department until her health failed her in 1999. While still a member of St. Paul’s, Carl lent her talents and assisted during the first two years of the establishment of Macedonia Baptist Church in Milpitas, CA. Upon her retirement from the county, Carl worked as a School Crossing Guard for the City of San Jose.

Growing up with a mom who was primary caregiver for many years,provided us with many skills, responsibilities and drive to be the people we have become. While we did not initially comprehend the lessons at that time, it was these very opportunities that built character and prepared us for adulthood.

Carl leaves her love, strength, courage and musical uplift to her Son Robert and his wife Melanie; Daughters: Nancy, Maurrissa, and Christina; Grandchildren: Tony and his wife Stacy, Ricky Jr. and his wife Christine, Carey and her husband Donnell, O’Shanna, Frank, Theresa, Gary Jr., Britney and Shawn; Great-Grandchildren: Tyler, Kyle, Jordan, Josiah, Jalyn, Zora, Ricky III, David, Jaidyn, Romare, Jeremiah, Terra, Brooklynn and Taraji; Nieces: Tedie, Arline and Joanne; Great Nephew: Christopher Sr.; Great-Great Nephew: Christopher Jr., and Son-In-Law: Gary Grant Sr.; Daughters-In-Laws: Katie and Elizabeth and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Preceding Carl in death are Husband, Waymon Watson; Daughter, Ruby Carol; Granddaughter, Carla Yvette; Sister, Ruby, Brother: Thomas, Alaird and Cliffton, and Son-In-Law Ricky Sr.

Mom, You Are Truly Loved and Will Be Deeply Missed! We Will See You Again!