Virginia Miller Watson, 100, of Columbus, GA, passed peacefully on May 5, 2024. A visitation will be held at Striffler Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, GA 31907, on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 10:00 am followed by an 11:00 am Graveside Service at Parkhill Cemetery, 4161 Macon Road, Columbus, GA 31907. Friends will be invited back to Striffler Hamby Mortuary for a catered reception after services conclude.
Virginia, a child of the great depression, was born on February 5, 1924, to the late Mary and Benjamin Miller in Alabama City, AL. She graduated from Calera High School in 1942 and eventually moved the Columbus, GA. After graduating high school, she passed the civil service exam, was assigned to Washington DC to work in censorship. On her own, she traveled to DC to participate in the war effort at 18. Happenstance brought her together again with a childhood best friend, Eleanor. The two young ladies lived together in DC. This is also where she met her future husband, Emile (Bud) Watson. They married in a small ceremony in the National Cathedral just before Bud was shipped out to the Pacific Theatre. Through the years, they moved to Ohio, then Florida, then eventually settled in Columbus, GA in the 1950’s. Virginia remained his faithful and devoted wife for 60 years until his passing. Her father was a Methodist minister in rural Alabama and she was very active in the church her entire life. Virginia had a strong sense of duty and responsibility. She was always very athletic and active. Virginia was an avid golfer, playing several rounds a week and always walked the course only taking carts when required to during tournaments. She swam often and attended fitness classes at the Y as well as the senior center. In later years, enjoyed playing bridge at the senior center and was known as one of the top players. Virginia enjoyed travel with friends (she and Eleanor took an Alaskan cruise after Bud died in 2004) and family. Virginia also took several driving tours of the western US including multiple trips through the Canadian Rockies. Virginia was a wonderful mother to three children; Carol, Regina and Ed and provided unending support for their endeavors including owning/training horses, high school band, harp practice (Regina became a professional harpist), little league baseball, and boy scouts. Virginia was an incredible woman and will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.
Virginia is survived by her son, Emile Edward Watson of Marietta, GA; and Sister Bennie Cox of San Antonio, TX.
Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Emile Enoch (Bud) Watson; daughters, Carol Ann and Regina Baye Watson; parents, Benjamin Franklin Miller and Mary James Miller; siblings, Kathryn Rawls, Iva Higgins, Irene Ezelle, Louise Daniel and Bill Miller.
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