Marie House Watson

Born April 27,1930 on the House family farm in Greenwich, Virginia, she was the tenth and last child born to John Nathaniel and Mattie Mae House. She graduated from Madison College in 1951. A long-time resident of Midlothian, Marie was predeceased by her husband, David Lee Watson and beloved son, Samuel Haus Watson (Emilie Tibbs).

In the late 1960’s, when Marie and Dave had four children, they decided to launch their own business. In the first business they manufactured and sold a new kind of vacuum cleaner called the De-Cor-Vac. Marie took care of the books while Dave did the selling. At Watson-Hegner Corporation, Dave, Marie and their partners were often recognized as the number one manufacturer’s representative in the nation by many of their suppliers. And, at age 61, when many people retire, she helped her son Sam launch another new business. Watson Machine, a laser cutting and metal fabricating business continues to successfully operate in Powhatan, Virginia today.

In 1980, she and Dave were instrumental in the founding of Sycamore Presbyterian Church. Growing up on the dairy farm, Marie knew how to work hard, grow and can vegetables, keep a clean house and cook great meals. She loved reading and leading Bible studies, as well as traveling with Dave for business or pleasure. Most importantly, she was a faithful wife and mother.

Survivors include three children, Martha Payne (Jimmy) of Suwanee, Georgia, David L. Watson II (Laura) of Greenville, South Carolina, and Linda Watson-Hills (Martyn) of Duluth, Georgia, Emilie H. Tibbs; grandchildren, Erin (Ty) Buckelew, Travis (Cara) Payne, Morgan (Ian) Calhoun, Trent (Claudia) Payne, Emma Kate Allen (Michael), Claire (Buck) Brown, David Lee Watson III, Abigail Watson, and Samuel Watson Jr. (Charlotte Ann), and eight great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Sycamore Presbyterian Church, 510 Coalfield Road, Midlothian, Virginia. Interment to follow at Powhatan Community Cemetery, Old Buckingham Road, Powhatan, Virginia.