Sarah Ellen Watson

Sarah Ellen Young Watson, born February 26, 1928 in Blackstock, SC peacefully entered her Heavenly home to meet Jesus on January 21, 2026 following a ten year struggle with Alzheimer’s. She was one of nine children of the late Robert E. And Bernice G. Young. Her life was marked by her faith in Christ, her love of family and her service to others.

Ellen was an honor graduate of Great Falls High School and went on to become a member of one of the early graduating classes from Charlotte Memorial School of Nursing in 1950. She worked as a nurse in the orthopedic department of Charlotte Memorial Hospital. She loved nursing and even with her memory fading, mentioning that she was a nurse would bring a smile to her face.

During her time in nursing school, Ellen’s life took joyous turn when she met her husband, Harvey L. Watson, on a blind date arranged by one of her nursing school classmates. They were married on September 23, 1953 at Avondale Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC. Ellen became a homemaker after they were blessed with two sons, Harvey Scott and Robert Charles.

Harvey’s career path with Ford Motor Company led the family on various moves to Atlanta, GA and Dearborn, MI where they would make their homes in Stone Mountain, GA and Grosse Ile, MI. Ellen embraced each new community, forming lifelong friendships in both places. In 1972, the family returned to Charlotte, where Harvey joined his brother in the security business, Security Forces, Inc, that was founded by their father. They built a house in the River Hills community in Lake Wylie, SC where they were active residents. They were founding members of the River Hills Community Church.

Ellen enjoyed traveling with Harvey, shopping at Southpark, her weekly hair appointment with her friend Betty Rose at Curls and Swirls and hot dogs at Park Road Soda Shop. She especially loved the annual Watson Family Beach trip which began at Cherry Grove, SC and ended up moving to the Isle of Palms, SC. These beach trip served a, family reunions as generations of Watson’s would all gather at the beach. Ellen also enjoyed serving others and volunteered for years at the Hospitality House of Carolinas Medical Center. She was also an active volunteer at Avondale Presbyterian Church.

Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey L. Watson, her sisters Mary Lou Sanders, Roseanna McKenzie, Adele Boyd, Carol Campbell and her brother Robert E. Young, Jr.

She is survived by her sons and their wives, Harvey Scott Watson and Cindy C. Watson, Robert Charles Watson and Cathy C. Watson; her grandchildren Josh Watson and wife Tabitha, Zach Watson and wife Kristina, Taylor Rahman and husband Steve, Jake Watson and wife Erica, Sam Watson and wife Tina, and Kevin Watson.

She is also survived by her great grandchildren: Harper Watson, Tucker Watson, Brooks Watson, Marlee Watson, Harvey Watson, Lila Rahman, Eli Rahman and Collins Watson.

She is also survived by her sisters, Pauline Smith and Jane Hughes and her brother Wylie Young and his wife Linda. Also, brother-in-law Brad Watson and his wife Mary and by sister-in-law, Sally Graf.

The family is grateful for the compassionate care provided by the memory care staff at Waltonwood Cotswold and Spring Oak at York, as well as the hospice nurses from Via Health Partners, particularly Renee Bevan and Kacie Elliott for their outstanding support.

A private graveside service will be held on January 28, 2026 at 11:00 am at Forest Lawn West Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Hospice and Palliative Care provider Via Health Benefits, P.O. Box 470408, Charlotte, NC. 28247. Condolences may be submitted at www.forestlawnwest.com