Willa Mae Watson

      In the song of life, Willa Mae Watson was surely the composer. A very observant woman who would rather spend her time creating than talking, Willa preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around her made sense. In fact, she depended on her sensory world to provide her with concrete data. A free spirit, Willa believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. She seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything she did. Willa perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to her, yet she lived with a definite sense of purpose. She was a woman who was always ready to share her creations with those around her.

       Her parents were James Robert "Pop" or "Red" Hutchings / Nellie Ferguson Hutchings. Willa was raised in John Sevier Community in Knoxville. As a young child, Willa was optimistic in her outlook. She sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply her creative energies. Willa rarely calling attention to herself, but when she did speak out, her message was clearly understood by those around her.

      Early on in her family relationships, Willa showed that she was a tolerant and flexible person, and she got along fairly well with everyone. She was raised with 2. She had one older sister Anna Belle and younger sister Ethel. She was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

      As she was growing up, Willa developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and she took pleasure in using her hands in order to create. Whether it was drawing pictures, working with building kits, or even just tapping out a rhythm to play by, Willa liked concrete things. In her spare time she liked to read. Willa's memorable achievements included. However, to Willa, the most fun she had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.

      Early on in her school years, Willa showed an interest in learning, especially when it came to subjects in the arts. At times, school learning did not provide Willa with sufficient challenges, but being an avid reader, she could often be “lost in a book” well above her grade level. Her passion for fine arts was so keen that fellow students and even her teachers recognized it. She graduated from Central High School in 1939. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

      Those who didn’t know Willa well might not view her as being an outgoing person, those who called her their friend knew differently. Willa was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced her opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that her kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Willa’s, you understood how true a friend she could be. Later in life, she became friends with Ponce and Ina Hughes, Polly and Jack Teague, Ben and Frances Ross, Jay and Jean Nelson, Katie Blalock, Betty Harrington, Ernestine and Fred Shafer.

      A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant, Willa had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned.

      Willa was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to her children. These emotional bonds made her as much playmate as parent. She gave her family unconditional love and kindness, sharing her artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. Willa was blessed with Four Children, Two daughters, Diane and Becky; and two sons, Joe and Paul. They were also blessed with seven grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren, Greg, Mark, Jennifer, Sam, Elizabeth, April, and Amy.

      Willa found ways to enjoy what she did for a living. She worked hard and did her best to succeed every day. Her primary occupation was Homemaker. She assisted her husband with his home building part-time. Willa tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing her will on others.

      Willa was an none. Willa’s fellow soldiers saw her as a sister in arms and knew that she was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

      Willa enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were Square dancing (Tennessee Twirlers), Quilting, Kniting, Painting, Crafts, and Reading. Willa was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. She was relaxed in her approach to her leisure time because she wanted to savor the present moment.

      Willa liked sports. Willa was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Top on her list was baseball, The Atlanta Braves both on TV and attending games in Atlanta and also Spring Training in Florida.

      Throughout her life, Willa was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout her later years, Willa was an active member of the Eastern Star. She had a tendency to bring peace to her relationships by avoiding disagreements.

      Willa was a woman who took pride in upholding her beliefs. So it’s little wonder that she took an active role in her community. A loyal contributor, Willa was comfortable in the role of a team player. Politically, Willa was a strong supporter of the Republican Party. Willa was able to serve her community well, thanks to her open mind and faithful commitment.

      Willa’s faith was important to her. She was a member of John Sevier Baptist Church for 30 years and Bell Ave. Baptist for 40 years. Willa's passionate commitment to upholding her values placed her at home in her religion, where she took comfort in the company of others who believed as she did.

      Because she loved the world around her, Willa enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for her to kick back and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Willa put her personal trademark on any leisure planning that she undertook. Favorite vacations included Okeechobee, Florida; Bradenton Beach, Florida; and rafting on the Nantahala river with family and friends.

      Willa was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Willa’s favorites was Millie, her favorite cat.

      When Willa’s retirement finally arrived in 1980, she was well prepared. In retirement, she found new pleasure in Square dancing and Painting. Even in retirement, Willa continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. In these later chapters of her life, she became active in the community, feeling fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her and simply enjoying what she had worked so hard to attain.

      Willa passed away on August 10, 2014 at At home in Sevierville, Tennessee. She was diagnosed with lung cancer 6months earlier, but never suffered. She is survived by her daugther Becky; sons, Joe and Paul; and Sister, Ethel. Services were held at the Chapel of Berry Funeral Home. Willa was laid to rest at Highland South Memorial Park with her husband.

      Willa was a good woman, a kind woman, and a practical woman who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. She leaves behind her a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Willa always had much to give and was able to make those connections in her life where her gifts were appreciated. Willa was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Willa Mae Watson.