Funeral services will be Sunday, February 28, 2021 at 12:00 noon, Springhill Christian Center, 1518 Springhill Road, Raymond, MS 39154.

“And God wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former thins are passed away.” Revelation 21:4

Reverend Dr. Charles Douglas Watson entered his eternal rest on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 5:59 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Main Hospital in Tampa, Florida. He was born on April 16, 1951 to the late Charles Edward and Pearlie Johnson Watson.

Rev. Watson accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at an early age where he joined New Hope Baptist Church. Charles grew up in Jackson, Mississippi, graduating Lanier High School’s class of 1969 and earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Jackson State University. Charles began his professional career at Allstate Insurance Company in 1976 as a Staff Claim Adjuster, handling both automobile and homeowner claims, where he was an extremely dedicated employee and was promoted to Fraud Investigator. Because of his profound customer service skills and dedication, Charles received the Allstate Good Hands Award, Chairman’s Award and was featured on the Paul Harvey radio show.

Rev. Watson was elected as the first black member of the Hinds County School Board, and later served as President. He was admired by all members of the board, teachers, and staff for us unwavering dedication.

At an early age, Rev. Watson knew God had something planned for him. Day in and day out, God touched his life and he gave that gift to others through the wonderful works of our Lord and Savior. God called Charles as His messenger. He received his Doctor of Theology from New Foundation Theological Seminary in Terry, Mississippi. Rev. Watson was a wise counselor, co-laboring in God’s vineyard. He was always ready to help anyone in any way that he could. He had encouraging words and a friendly smile for everyone he met along life’s way. Charles was always described as a people person and never met a stranger. His gentle nature harbored no harshness but radiated love, cheerfulness, patience, kindness, and hospitality.

Reverend Dr. Watson started his journey as a minister in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church under the leadership of Bishop Thomas Hoyt. He began his ministry as pastor of Mt. Gideon CME Church in 1996 until 2001. Rev. Watson later became pastor of Center CME church (1998-2001), Washington Temple CME Church (2002-2008) and Ebenezer CME Church (2009-2010). In 2011, he was transferred to Mt. Zion CME Church and in 2013 also became pastor of Little Mount CME Church in Utica, Mississippi. Rev. Watson was pastor of Mt. Zion and Little Mount until his death.

Rev. Charles Douglas Watson’s legacy will be cherished by his loving and devoted wife of forty -nine years, Dianna Faye Owens-Watson, three (3) sons; Charles Douglas Watson, II, (Kinshasa) of Jackson, MS; Edward (Shanell) of Clinton, MS and Markus (Jennifer) of Tampa, FL., ten grandchildren; Kaitlyn, Douglas III, Nicholas, Sean, Harrett, Jordan, Leigha, Markus, McKenzie, and Malachi, three siblings; Marshall (Carolyn) Watson, Frances (Robert) Nixon and Kathy Beasley along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, in law, church family and friends.