Lauretta Zenobia Watson

Lauretta Zenobia Ramirez was born in 5th Ward of Houston, Texas, on December 26, 1947. She was the firstborn of her parents, Josephine (Krause) Ramirez and Mike Ramirez Jr. She spent her formative years in the 5th Ward and attended Phyllis Wheatley High School. Lauretta married her high school sweetheart, Orean C. McLeod, and her only child, Rhonda McLeod Chargois, was born from this union.

Later, she returned to school and graduated from Texas Southern University. Lauretta later met George T. Watson, and they were married in 1980, sharing 44 years together. She had a diversified career, including restaurant owner, administrator, donut shop owner, nurse (LVN), and realtor. She had a passion for sewing, gardening, shopping, and traveling, but one of her greatest joys in life was spending cherished time with her grandchildren.

Lauretta was preceded in death by her husband, George T. Watson, and her father, Mike Ramirez Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory: her mother, Josephine Ramirez; her daughter, Rhonda McLeod Chargois (mother of her grandchildren—Rhian Pratt-Shorter, Keenan J. Chargois, and Maia M. Chargois); her siblings, Mike Ramirez III, Kathy Ramirez, and Angela Ramirez; three stepchildren, Adria, Brannon, and Shannon Watson, along with their children; and a host of family members and friends who hold great love for her.

A visitation for Lauretta will be held Friday, September 13, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, Texas, followed by a celebration of life from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.