Ima Jean Watson

September 10, 1939 - November 3, 2025

Ima Jean Hall Washington-Watson

Ima Jean Watson was born September 10, 1939, in Cass County, Marietta, Texas, the second child of the late Mr. Hulen Washington and Mrs. Annie Bell Hall - Washington.

Ima Jean accepted Christ at an early age and united with the Bethlehem Baptist Church. She had a lifelong love for God and made it her testimony to know and remember all of His benefits. Upon moving to Dallas, she lived with her Uncle Edgar Washington and Aunt Ozie Byrd Washington, as she loved them dearly; she grew in, grace and knowledge under their stewardship. Her Uncle Edgar Washington was a Deacon and would give her an even stronger vision of God's blessing available to her. Her Aunt Ozie, and Ozie's sister; Osseodia, were refined black women of their time. They introduced her to the social graces of many of the well-heeled South Dallas Black Socialites during that time. She learned many graces by observing the fine ladies in the garden and dining clubs; that were early Dallas. She left Marietta with just a few things but learned that there was so much more in store. She would unite with her aunt and uncles church; the Salem Institutional Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend J. Whitlow Washington. For a time, she also worshipped at The Glendale Presbyterian Church in Oak Cliff, Texas so that her children would have church peers. As her children grew, she reunited with her beloved church and was an active worshipper there until her death.

Ima Jean attended the community schools of Bethlehem Elementary and Bethlehem High School. She was exceedingly smart; she rocketed her way through school, finishing in 1956 two full years ahead of her class. At "Sweet Sixteen" she registered for Wiley Extension College and later went on to attend Prairie View A&M College. While at Prarie View, she worked as a clerk in the Agriculture Department. She completed her studies earning a bachelor's degree in business education, with a minor in economics.

After Ima Jean completed her degrees, she moved to Dallas, residing again, with her aunt, and uncle. She garnered her first job at Lil' Bit of Sweden, as a salad girl, later moving on to work for a wedding company, then, eventually working as a Tax Preparer for Mr. H.M. Malone's Company. She built her expertise in tax preparation and created her own home-based tax business. During that same time, she was also on staff with the Dallas Independent School District as an Educator at Lincoln High School in the Business Department. She would then turn her focus to joining the Collins Radio Company, scoring exceptionally high on an entrance test designed to keep her out. She worked through two mergers with

the company, Rockwell International, and later took an early retirement from what had become Alcatel Network Systems. While she worked 33 plus years in business for others, it is what she did; when she got home from work, over the course of all that time, that stands above the pale. While she navigated a network of jobs and dual careers, she met the love of her life, Reafes Watson, an equally smart visionary in and from her hometown of Marietta.

On August 22, 1961, she married Reafes (Red) Watson. They built an amazing real estate company together which still continues today. Watson's Rental Properties; much to her credit has lasted over 65 years. While sharing a wonderful company together, Ima Jean and Reafes/ Bob (Red) also managed to create and raise two outstanding children, Sterling Pierre Watson born September 10, 1964, and Azalia Zarzette Watson, on December 4, 1965.

Reafes, her visionary partner, lover, husband, and best friend, went to prepare the way ahead of her on March 3rd, 1988.

Sterling Pierre, her beloved son, journeyed ahead of her also, on October 23rd, 2001.

Her closest earthly angels miss her sorely; Zion Lake Watson, her enormously loving, devoted, and one and only grandson, her adopted-in-love grand, Ash Starks, and Kenneth James Watson, her faithful nephew-son.

Her loving son-in-law, David Oliver Moton preceded her in death on August 5th, 2022.

Her parents Annie Bell on Jan 6th, 2004, and Hulen June 11th,1961, brother's Herman Washington Nov 21st, 2020, and Norman Feb 24th, 2023, all precede her in death.

Ima Jean's departure leaves a gulf in her family. Her legacy will be remembered by an enormity of family members, friends, and business associates.

Celebrating the love she's shared with them and honoring her legacy are Azalia Zarzette Watson (David), Zion Lake Watson, Ash Starks, Ozie M. Holley (Alton), Judge M. Hall (Virginia), Kenneth Ray Hall (Jennifer), Keisha Cunningham-Hall (Norman); Sisters-in-law; Dorthy Warren, Doris Cotton (Gary), Loner James, Nellie McGuire (EJ), Martha Kilgore (Robert), Dorris Tucker, Earlane Young (Charles), Sharon Watson (Leroy), Debra Watson, Bessie McGuire (Lawrence), Doris Watson (Charlie). Special brother-in-law, Joe Warren.

*Elizebeth Watson (Buddie) and Erika Washington (Herman), Melinda (James) unions dissolved before her death.

A plethora of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends will remember her fondly.