Laura Watson

Laura Watson, 100, passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

Laura Ann “Mama Laura” Watson was born on February 19, 1926, in Chipley, Georgia (now Pine Mountain) to the late Rever Baugh and Amanda Lou (Hines) Baugh. She peacefully transitioned on March 3, 2026, having lived a remarkable life of 100 years and 12 days. The eldest of four children, she spent her early years between Chipley, Atlanta, and Chattanooga, Tennessee. At a young age she was baptized and began her lifelong walk with our Lord and Savior.

At the age of 20, she married Robert Lee Williams, through which union she gained a daughter, Voncil Williams (Mills), who preceded her in death. Together they welcomed two children, Mary Alice Williams and the late Robert Lee Williams, Jr. Determined to complete her education, Laura later returned to school and earned her high school diploma from Washington High Night School while raising her children and working.

Laura later became a licensed cosmetologist and entrepreneur, building a career that spanned more than seven decades. She owned and operated a beauty shop in the Lynwood Park community, founded the La Rochelle Cosmetology School in Atlanta’s West End, and also owned a ceramic shop where she taught others the art of ceramics. During her career she developed a professional relationship with the Bronner Brothers and received several awards recognizing her talent in the beauty industry. Known for her generosity, she believed in keeping her services affordable so that anyone could be served and cared for.

A gifted seamstress, artist, and lifelong piano student, Laura enjoyed sharing her talents with others. She often welcomed visitors into her home and would play the Lord’s music on the piano for those who came to see her.

Laura was deeply devoted to her faith and served for more than seventy years as an usher. Over the years she worshipped faithfully at Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church, and later Calvary Baptist Church.

She later married Bennie F. Watson, Sr. on February 19, 1972, and together they shared 54 years of marriage. Through this marriage she gained six additional children, expanding her loving family even further. Their home was known for its warm hospitality, often hosting weddings, family gatherings, reunions, and celebrations where Laura made sure everyone was welcomed, well fed, and cared for.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents, Rever Baugh and Amanda Lou (Hines) Baugh; her brother, Robert Earl Poe; her son, Robert Lee Williams, Jr.; her grandson, Marvin Williams; her granddaughter-in-law, Tige Williams; her great-grandchild, Masiah Williams; and her great-great-grandchildren, Kylie Williams and Santino Hardwick.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband of 54 years, Bennie F. Watson, Sr.; daughters Mary Williams, Yvonne McGhee, and Cynthia (Eddie) Smith; sons Bergeron Watson, Bennie (Belinda) Watson, Jr., Willie F. (Helen) Crowder, and Eugene (Geraldine) Watson; brother Ronley Hill; sisters Kimberly Williams and Paula Bacon; brothers-in-law James (Jessie) Watson, Fred (Rudene) Watson, Grady Watson, Robert Watson, and Nelson (Patricia) Watson; sisters-in-law Annie Holiday, Shirley (Joseph) Boynton, Dorothy Watson, and Fannie Watson; along with 27 grandchildren, 47+ great-grandchildren, 52+ great-great-grandchildren, one great-great-great-grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Boston-Hill Funeral & Cremation Service.

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