Joshua Josh Dexter Watson

Joshua was born July 11, 1986 and weighed 7lbs. 11 oz. We thought he was destined to be a lucky child-7/11 being his magic number. He was the oldest child of Philip and Sandra Watson and the only grandson on his father's side of the family. Joshua was doted on by his parents and grandparents-especially his grandmother Evelyn. When he was old enough, she started taking him on trips she went on for work. As a result, Josh visited California, Washington, DC, St. Louis, Orlando, Tampa, and Brazil. Josh had two younger sisters-Jayme and Jenna- who loved him dearly as children. As a young teenager, Josh started having trouble with drugs. He skipped school and was starting to get in trouble with the law. His family tried counseling and various forms of rehab to help him, but once he was released, he went back to the same lifestyle. Joshua was sent to prison when he was18 for armed robbery. He spent 5 years incarcerated. Upon his release in early October, his family was excited and hopeful that this would be the time he would put his life back together. He had a job with his father and was offered help getting his driver's license reinstated. He lived at home for only a few days before he moved in with a friend. He started missing work and within two months, he was gone from our lives forever.

People who don't know Josh will be quick to judge him as a bad person who got what he deserved. As his mother, I can honestly say I think Josh had goodness in his heart. He was thoughtful and sensitive. He just didn't always listen to his heart. Josh had a wonderful sense of humor. As a young child, he knew all he had to do was to make me laugh and he was out of trouble. He could always make me laugh. Josh was very protective of those he loved and sometimes went a little overboard to make sure people knew he was watching over those loved ones. He found a stray kitten the week before he died and adopted it. He was so proud of the fact that he saved that little cat.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge those who loved Josh and those who tried so hard to help him and his family. His grandmothers, Evelyn Watson and Anna Watkins, are wonderful examples of strong, loving women who take great care of their family. His Aunt Nancy and Uncle Doug loved him from the moment he came into their lives and were always hopeful he would become the person we all knew he could be. They are both like parents to all three of our children and I know their grief is deep and painful. Josh grew up with his cousins Tracy and Kelsie. They have always been more like sisters to him, and when I remember him, more often than not, one of those girls are in the memories. My sisters, Sherry, Ann, and Cyrece, have always been my best friends. We raised our children together. We have laughed and cried together. I would not have made it through this without their love and support. A special thank you to Josh and Brandy Eleazer. Josh sang at the memorial service, and Brandy was with me every step of the way. Josh's cousin Danny came from Houston for the service and to be with Phil He has always been like a brother to Phil. His presence meant a great deal to us all. Uncle Gary had the sad job of telling Phil what had happened and had to bring him home. So many people came to the house and/or sent food. Sherry, Ginny and Michael Winston, Dr. Margie LeCoultre, Kathy Burnett, Bob and Teresa Heinz, Claire and Carrie Meggs,and the staff at Ball Camp Elementary School are just a few I want to thank. There were so many expressions of sympathy; we were overwhelmed. You truly do not know how much you need your friends until something like this happens, and we are blessed with so many.

Josh made a lot of mistakes. He chose to do things his family will never understand. What we do know is that we will remember him as a bright-eyed, beautiful child who had so much potential. The real tragedy is not knowing what might have been. We loved him from the moment he arrived until the moment he left us. That will never change. The loss is devastating and deep. We hope he finds peace and hope he knows how much he touched our lives. We love you Josh...