Jewel Taylor Watson

Mrs. Jewel Wade Watson, 99, of New Bern, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2026.

A lifelong woman of faith, Jewel was the oldest member of First Baptist Church of New Bern. She faithfully served her church family for many years as a deacon and as a Sunday School teacher for more than 40 years. Her unwavering devotion to God, her family, and her church touched countless lives and leaves a legacy of love, service, and faithfulness.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, J.K. Watson; her sister, Jacqueline W. Hollister; and her son-in-law, Ron Snipes.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Michael Watson (Kathy); her daughters, Jacquelyn Shuffler (Jimmie), Sherry Parker (Charlie), and Jewel Kay Snipes; her grandchildren, Mark Shuffler (Margie), Monica Moody (McGee), Matthew Shuffler (Mandy), Stephanie Parker, Beverly Daugharty (Lance), C.J. Fish (Mike), and Kemp Watson-Ormond (Rose); her great-grandchildren, Samantha Shuffler, Blair Shuffler, Sydney Moody, Olivia Moody, Lily Kate Moody, Whitney Moody, Mark Daugharty, Gabriel Fish, Isaiah Fish, Moriah Fish, and Jeremy Fish; her great-great-grandchild, Ezra Foster; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Jewel will be remembered for her kind heart, steadfast faith, gentle spirit, and the love she shared so freely with those around her. She found great joy in her family and in serving her Lord, and her life was a testament to compassion, grace, and Christian service.

A memorial service celebrating Jewel's life will be held on 2:00pm Monday, July 6, 2026, at First Baptist Church, 239 Middle Street, New Bern, North Carolina.

Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Watson family.