Betty Jo Watson

Betty Jo (Raper) Watson, age 82, died Saturday, December 15, 2018, at Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital, Columbus, GA after an extended illness. Betty was born April 15, 1936 in Madisonville, TN and lived there until she married Troy Watson on February 26, 1955 and moved to Nashville, TN, Birmingham, AL, Selma, AL and settled in Columbus, GA in 1956. She had been living at Magnolia Manor Assisted Living since March 2016. Betty was a wonderful and loving wife, mother, and grandmother (Mammaw). She adamantly loved her family, friends, and listening to gospel music. She was an avid fan of Atlanta Braves baseball.

She was preceded in death by husband, Troy Watson, parents, Isaac and Pauline (Croft) Raper and brother, Curtis Raper. She is survived by four children, Linda (Richard) Morrison , Acworth, GA; Connie (James) Richman, Ozark, AL; Michael (Christine) Watson, Lithia Springs, GA; and Matthew (Dawn) Watson, Hamilton, GA; twelve grandchildren, Michelle Morrison, Christopher Morrison, James (Debra) Richman, Brian (Michele) Richman, Larry (Nancy) Richman, Kelsey Richman, Zachary Watson, Kayla Watson, Chelsea (Dylan) Ray, Bradley Watson, Hunter Watson and Peyton Watson; nine great-grandchildren, Seth Richman, Addison Richman, Ashtyn Richman, Colin Richman, Caitlyn Richman, Kensley Richman, Nolan Watson, Bentlee Ray and Baylee Jo Ray; three sisters, Alma Sue Russell, Madisonville, TN, Frances Hampton, Sweetwater, TN and Bonnie Smith, Woodstock, GA; one brother, Isaac “Mackie” Raper, Madisonville, TN.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Magnolia Manor, a faith-based ministry serving senior adults. To donate by mail, please send check or money order to: Magnolia Manor Development Office, 2001 S. Lee St., Americus, GA 31709. Online donation site: magnoliamanor.com.