Carol Sawyer Watson

Carol Eason Sawyer Watson, 98, died Friday, May 15, 2020 in Brookdale of Elizabeth City. She had a strong Christian faith and lived a remarkable life as a Naval officer during World War II and as a career nurse, wife, mother, and cherished friend to many.

Mrs. Watson was born in Salley, SC on July 29, 1921, and was the daughter of the late Thomas and Gladys Price Sawyer.

After graduating from Salley High School where she excelled at basketball and was known as “Legs Sawyer,” she received her nurses training at Columbia Hospital in Richmond County, SC.

A Navy veteran, she served as a nurse on the hospital ship, USS Repose, during World War II, achieving the rank of First Lieutenant. After her time in the military, she continued nursing, working both at the Chowan Hospital in Edenton, and Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington DC, where she retired from nursing.

In 1987, after retiring, Mrs. Watson and her husband returned to Edenton where they quickly became a part of the community. Mrs. Watson was an active and faithful member of Edenton United Methodist Church, serving as President of its United Methodist Women from 1997 – 2000. Other enjoyments included membership in the Chowan Horticultural Club (President 1990), serving with the Emergency Aid (Secretary 1996 – 2002), being named the 1999 Woman of the Year by the Edenton B.P.W. Club, and receiving the Governor’s Volunteer Award in 1996. She volunteered her time and energy to her church and community well into her late 90’s.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, George Lawson Watson; sons, George Lawson Watson III and Thomas Gerald Watson; granddaughter, Kristen Nicole Watson; sister, Jean Smithers; and brother, Jerry Sawyer.

Surviving are her daughter-in-law, Bonnie Hawes Watson (George, deceased), and her granddaughter, Jennifer Watson Green, husband Kyle, and their children, Addison and Ryker, all of Cornelius.

A service celebrating her life will be held Sunday, October 11, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. in the Edenton United Methodist Church. Her burial will follow in Beaver Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Edenton United Methodist Church, PO Box 37, (www.edentonchurch.com), or to the Edenton-Chowan Food Pantry, PO Box 643, (www.edenton-chowanpantry.org)  both in Edenton, NC 27932.