Fredricka "Dale" Watson

Fredricka "Dale" Watson, affectionately knowns as Dale, was born to Winston and Ivy Campbell on February 18, 1947, in Somerton St. Ann, Jamaica. She was the first of eight children. On June 25, 1966, she married Lascelles Anthony Watson (Tony). Soon thereafter, they had their first child, Camille (Rodney Foster), and a year later, they had their second child, Maurice (Teresa Cargle). In 1969, the couple immigrated to the Bronx, New York, and had their third child, Heather (Rodney Haynes). Her love of children propelled her into “adopting” many children, yet only one was legal, Shadae Moore (De’Sean). Dale loved her grandchildren tremendously; Rodney Powell (deceased), Gabrielle Stevens (Greg), Kennedy Powell, Maurice "MJ" Watson, and a host of great-grandchildren.

Dale was an earnest professional. She began her career as a stockbroker with Merrill Lynch, where she made history as the first female and first black stockbroker while working to take care of her home and children while her husband attended New York University. In 1976, the couple migrated their family to Louisville, Kentucky. Dale was transferred with Merill Lynch as a Senior Trader for Avery Bank and later hired by Avery Bank as the Financial Investor/Advisor for Avery Bank, later becoming a Senior Vice President and Director at a major financial institution. Toward the end of her professional career, she owned one of the city's largest and most profitable insurance agencies.

In addition to being an earnest professional, she was a loving, kind, and generous to her family members, her in-laws, and their children. She played a significant role in helping them get established in the United States. In addition to opening up her home to her family members and those in need, she made the most delicious meals for her family. She was an excellent seamstress that could rival any celebrity and was a craft aficionado. She was a global citizen and loved to travel. Most importantly, she was constantly on the phone, keeping in touch with many family and friends.

Dale was constantly volunteering and helping those in need, known and unknown. She was an extremely devout Christian and taught Sunday School at LaGrange Methodist Church. Dale broke many records in her lifetime; however, proudly, she leaves this earth without a single enemy or hate, and she leaves with a loving heart. She will be sadly missed by many. May God bless her soul.