A Tribute to Deacon Dexter G. Watson

November 17, 1951-June 18, 2022

Dear Dad,

Thank you for giving me a world of hope and wonder.
You often wanted the best and challenged me for more.
Teaching me the tools for everything I need to know.
You never stopped believing and you were so kind and supportive.
Your words were encouraging, and always two steps ahead.
Your face and smile lit up the entire room, and you greeted everyone with great cheer.
You opened up doors and gave opportunities for others to shine their lights.
Fighting hard and leading by example,
Never giving up and never going astray.
In the latter years I’d see you watch television;
Often shedding tears for others in their happy and sad moments.
You empathized with so many,
Never taking anyone or anything for granted.
You are amazing and I am so grateful for you.
I’ll miss our time together,
But, I am grateful for the time we spent.


Love your,
 
Amber Joi


            " IN LOVING MEMORY OF DEACON WATSON "


Deacon Watson was a wonderful mentor to me who will be loved and missed always and forever.
Simone'

Dear Robin,
My condolences to you and all of the family. Dexter was a wonderful guy, always with a smile, kind words and welcoming to all. He was even friendly when he would tease me about Providence St. Mel defeating Holy Trinity HS in basketball. 
Yes I will miss Dexter.  
Prayerfully,
Bro. Roy Smith, CSC

Eternal rest servant of God’s people.
May God‘s grace and mercy be upon you and keep you in the bosom of Abraham until we meet in glory.  
Deacon Bobby White 
Archdiocese of Washington 

Dear Robin, Gary, Amber, Ryan and Family, I met Deacon Dexter Watson in 1994 when I attended mass at St. Malachy's Church. The first thing I noticed was his magnificent, caring smile. He welcomed me warmly that day. Every time since whenever I saw him, he had a positive word. He was a big reason why I joined St. Malachy's Church. He supported all of the functions and was a Leader. I also would run into him at community meetings, and rallies for civil and workers rights. He would pray from the pulpit for all people suffering injustice and urge us all to be kind and loving. He loved his family so much! Robin, Amber, Gary and Ryan's biggest fan. This past March, I celebrated my birthday. Robin, Dexter and Amber came. Dexter told the story about how much he believed in celebrating birthdays. He always made sure there was cake and a celebration. Deacon Watson, I appreciated you so much. You will be deeply missed, always remembered. To the family, I can't imagine what you are going through. I am praying for your comfort and peace. 

Dear Dexter 
It's a sad day for us knowing you are gone.  The memories keep coming.   You were a friend to Nathaniel Howard and me,  our classmates of the last class St Mel  graduate of 1969 and an honorary member of MADDADS  (men against destruction defending against drugs and social disorder)
Thank you for being our friend Gary. 
To Robin and family you have our condolences and I am sure you guys will  keep his legacy alive!











Dexter G. Watson remains in our memory as a Man of God, whose character speaks volumes of how a blueprint of spiritual servitude should be accomplished. Recognized as fair, honest, caring, patient, loyal, and trustworthy, he exuded the sharing of the Word as a spiritual force of teaching. We will all truly miss him dearly. So long, old friend, hope to see you in paradise. R.I.P.

R. W. Chandler
President, 5th Senatorial District Organization of Illinois

 

Every birthday comes with new lessons and new experiences, new friends, new comrades, new fun’s, new trials and tribulations. This year is no different. 
A lesson that was always too soon had become a reality this year, my first birthday without my daddy. Losing a staple in my life, one that if you know me is huge and this close to my birthday has me in a very odd place atm. He is 1/2 of the village builders that created a world that showed me that resource are finite, but love is infinite. And that justice is love in public, both of them embodied that for me. And tho it does in fact hurt to not have him here with us anymore the words of Carl Sagan fit 
“though it’s not forever — because it’s not forever — being alive is a profoundly beautiful thing for which each of us should feel deeply grateful.”
I’m very grateful you lived and that i was gifted in being your son, and that it’s not enough to acknowledge that this world is hard to live in, but that it’s worth fighting for a better one until everyone knows that “it’s a wonderful life” (your favorite movie)


Dexter, A one of-a-kind Leader 💪🏾Friend & Family Man will be forever remembered for his Wisdom Laughter & Love of God. I Pray his 😇Spirit lives strong in heaven & on earth 🌏 

It is with a very heavy heart that I have to announce that my father, Dexter Watson, passed away on Saturday June 18, 2022.

This Father's Day was hard. So was Juneteenth. I couldn't really be online. It was hard to really partake, although I know he would have wanted me to so I tried. Both were holidays that my father celebrated and had been for years. He would wear the ridiculous things we would get/make for him and was always the proud father when it came to his children (and those he played the fatherly figure for... Which was a lot). He also had been celebrating Juneteenth for almost 2 decades (if you know him, he read about it in his many, many newspapers)

It's hard when 1/2 of your compass is gone.  Well not gone, just not visible and a tangible. Especially when you thought you had time and then you find out that it's a LOT shorter than you anticipated. 

Dad wasn't feeling well for a while, but by the time we found out it was cancer, it had spread to his liver. From the time he went to the ER, to home hospice, to his last breath was less than 1 month.  Thankfully, he was surrounded by his immediate family as that last breath passed, but still I feel like I was robbed. We all were.
But we will continue by showing love to people from all walks of life, believing in ourselves and believing in the good of others. And we will continue to be a humble public servant to those in need.

His wedding anniversary to Robin Watson was June 28, so that is the day we will celebrate his life. You are welcomed to join us in the celebration of Dexter Watson. The details are below. If you are unable to for whatever reason, before, on, or after, if you greet us with a hug, a smile, and a twinkle in your eye, we'll know in our hearts where it's coming from, cause that's how Dad greeted everyone. ❤️

Dearest Robin and family,  I am saddened by your loss.  When I think of Dexter, I think of his infectious smile when greeting me or anyone, and I think of his devotion to you and your children...he was a man who demonstrated commitment to God, his wife, and his children.  I pray that you all embrace the love and comfort of your entire community who love you and are praying for you.
Lovingly,
Rosemary Steward


My great Friend and Brother in christ.RIP and on behalf of my wife and family we take this opportunity to send our condolences to Mrs Robin Watson and family  our Prayers are with you. 

Robin, I love you and send my heartfelt prayers to you and the family. I am so sorry to hear of Dexter's passing. I remember  seeing Dexter at your performances and how proud he was of you. 

 From the Crosby's, we love you.



Praying for you, Robin and your family in your time of grief.   I remember Deacon Watson as a person that always greeted me with a smile and warm hand shake.  Mostly I remembered his Juneteenth celebrations at the church. I have him to thank for introducing me to the date and history.  God bless you and your family.

My prayers are with the family at this time of great loss.

My deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of Dexter.  Keeping the family in prayer at this difficult time.  We are going to miss him dearly but have wonderful memories with you all at our home, the clubs and theater.   Asking God to give you strength and peace.  Dexter was kind, loving, supportive and very funny.  He loved my husband Leonard and we loved him more.  May God bless, keep and comfort you during this time.  

I first met Dexter at the back of St. Malachi’s Church. Mass had just ended and Dexter as our Deacon wished us all goodbye. 

This is dedicated to Deacon Dexter Watson,  a man who walked God's path. Deacon Watson's family and my family met through Holy Angels Church, and as I knew we would we became fast friends every precious moment in my family's life, both the happy ones and the sad ones, Deacon Watson and his wife Robin were present, reaching out with a open hand and a open heart.  So I put this question to you, what is a man of God, a husband who brings joy and happiness to his beautiful wife day in and day out, who may have  some problems, as we are not perfect,  a father who's caring and showing love  and understanding is always teaching, a friend willing to give a helping hand, a leader who will always lead the way, a man who listens and tries, is he not an angel who walked among us?  We all try to follow his words and pass them on. God's love was present in his actions.  The beauty of Dexter's life is that he lived it and shared it. 

So, I say thank you to his family for sharing him and I say thank you to our Lord for allowing his child Deacon Dexter Watson to pass our way.💕😇🙏

My dearest Robin and family,

Please accept my heartfelt sympathies and prayers at the passing of your beloved husband, father, son, brother and deacon of the church.  Deacon Watson was always one of my biggest supporters and I will truly miss seeing him.  
May you find comfort at this time in knowing that this fathfiful man of God is now resting in the loving arms of his God and will be interceding for you before the throne of grace.  May he rest in peace.  In loving sympathy, Sr. Anita Baird


You will always be cherished, Dexter.. such a great husband, Dad,son, friend and mentor to all of us.. Your charm and bouncy rocked us whenever you spoke(preached)at the altar and otherwise. I am so grateful for you and your incredible wife and daughter in my life..

Thinking of you as we celebrate Deacons beautiful life.  He will live on in your hearts.

With love, prayers and sympathy


Hi ,my name is Amelia Green.  I remember Deacon Watson, when I first came to the Church, he was always a very kind and caring, gentleman. Always a kind word to say to everyone while he shook hands. I miss him, but I know he's in a better place. Rest in Heavenly Peace Deacon Watson. 

May God bless the Watson family and my prayers  will continue to flow your way.  Peace with you all forever AMEN. 
LOVE YOU ALL
Bev Shorty

God bless you, Robin for having an amazing man in your life. Deacon Dexter epitomizes a true public servant. He always had a kind heart and was easy to talk to. May God bless him as he enters into the Kingdom...

Dear Robin and family
Our deepest sympathies and prayers are sent to all of you.  May our compassionate loving  God wrap his arms around you and hold you close and welcome Dexter, his good and faith filled servant. 
Deacon Sal and I will keep all of you close in prayer.

Deacon Sal and Beth Lema

I feel very lucky to have known Dexter, who I first met when Ryan was hosting a social justice reading group at the Watson family home - where I have always known the warmest welcome. There's much more to say, but for now, my thoughts are with Robin, Amber, Ryan and Dexter Jr. for their beloved husband and father, taken too soon.

My prayers go out to you Robin and your family. I know this is such a difficult time. Dexter was such an amazing person who reached all of us. He will be missed.

Deacon Dexter was a pleasure to know…..may the Almighty bless the Watson family!
Love,
Marita Widmann Taylor 

My name is Olivia Patterson and Dexter AKA Gary and I grew up together.  We lived in the same bldg. My memory of him was watching him run up and down the stairs to get to their 2nd floor apartment. I always thought to myself that he had the longest legs ever. I would play with his sister Sharone everyday and although our paths took different directions, we never lost contact.  He was my brother. My childhood friend and I will never forget him. My heart and prayers go out to his lovely wife Robin and to his children. He was one unforgettable guy. Rest in paradise my brother 🙏 💔 ❤️ 

May our Heavenly Father keep His arms around you and the entire family during this time of sorrow. May Deacon be welcome to his new home.  May my prayers be with you. I’ll always remember the times that Deacon would pop up at Holy Angels Church just to visit and we would talk about Renew My Church. He would say I just come to see a familiar face.

Connie 


Dear Robin, 

George Aparo made me aware of your dear Dexter's passing. I am so sorry to hear it. To me he was a very kind and gracious man. Please accept my heartfelt condolences to you and your family in this time of sorrow. Dexter, to me, was the embodiment of kindness and of God's Love. Dexter was a true servant to others and by his service,  to his family and The Lord, worked to further God's Love on earth. 

I don't know if I will be able to attend his services or memorial, but if I can make it, I will be there. 

Hugs and prayers for you and the Watson family at this time of grief. 

He was one of the kindest men I have ever known. 

Dave Turner

I am so very blessed to have known, collaborated with, served with, befriended, and been counseled by Deacon Dexter. He was a fighter for justice whose passion was contagious exceeded only by his love for God and the People of God. 
During my brief tenure as Director of the Office for Black Catholics, Dexter was my sounding board and sanity check. I am grateful to have had him in my corner.  When I hosted the Tuesday morning show on Catholic Radio, he was a loyal listener and contributor of his insights. A firebrand and a fireball with a gentle heart, Dexter was a defender of and a voice for the downtrodden, the disenfranchised, and those relegated to the margins. He made me better. 
Terri and I have a mutually supportive couple to couple relationship with Dexter and Robin. We send our love and condolences to Robin and the family. 

Deacon Watson was a wonderful man to be remembered. He was always friendly & truly a spiritual gift to our church. He should especially be credited for his dedication to supporting the Juneteenth holiday. He brought this holiday to life for all of us. You are free now Deacon Watson!!! Bev. Malone

I couldn’t love a family more than that of Dexter Washington.  His spirit was kind, happy and loving. In a world of angst, we need more Dexter. To Amber, Dexter 2, Robin and Ryan, I love you all and know each of you will celebrate his life as he deserved. I especially send love to Gloria and will her the strength to know that her loving and compassionate legacy lives in all of them. ❤️ Ame & Jay 

May the angels lead him into paradise and welcome him on his way. Know that you and your family are in my prayers.
 -Fr. John Calicott

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Deacon Dexter Gary Watson

17 novembre 1951 – 18 juin 2022

Montclair-Lucania Funeral Home

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