Doria M. Watson

Doria Marie Watson was born in The Bronx, NY on August 29, 1971, to Richard Watson and the late Helen O’Brien. Growing up, she was educated in the NYC public school system. After school and on weekends, she spent much of her time creating core memories with family and friends between The Bronx and Harlem. She was always joyful and wore a smile, even in her early years.

In the late 1990s, Doria accompanied her friend on a family visit to Oneonta, NY. She loved it so much that she decided to stay and make it her new home. As she established herself, she met and befriended lots of new people. Her significant other, Sean and her bonus daughter, Dominique are the two who captured her heart the most.

Doria worked a few jobs during her short lifespan. Upstate Home for Children was a job she cherished. Caring and doing for others was by far her favorite thing to do. She loved to not only help care for other people’s children, she would lend a helping hand to adults as well. She was always the one to cook meals and host family and friends. She also loved canning and preserving fruits and vegetables to share with her loved ones. Although, she was in Oneonta, NY, she never hesitated to come down to NYC for family functions.

Doria’s health started to take a turn in the early 2000s when she experienced renal failure for the first time. Even though it took a toll on her body, she hung in there and fought battle after battle until she was blessed with Lily Mae, her new kidney. Receiving Lily Mae gave her a new chance at life. Doria took advantage of the time she was gifted and became a pillar in her community by simply being there for others. In 2022, her health took another turn. Not only did she have another battle with renal failure, but she was also battling cancer. Doria fought until she couldn’t fight anymore and God called her home on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

Doria was preceded in death by her mother, Helen O’Brien and sister, Dawn McRae. She leaves behind to cherish her memories, her father, Richard Watson (Carlien); her sister, Fallon Jean (Perry); three nieces, Shanae, Iyanna and Jasmine; one nephew, Christopher; her significant other, Sean Hall; her bonus daughter Dominique Hall and a host of family and friends.

Calling Hours will be held at Grummons-Bookhout-Bennett Funerals & Cremations, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. A private graveside service will be held at Glenwood Cemetery. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 PM at the Elks Club, 84-86 Chestnut Street, Oneonta.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the National Kidney Foundation in loving memory of Doria Marie Watson.

To send the family an online condolence please visit www.grummonsfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are by the Grummons-Bookhout-Bennett Funerals & Cremations.