Barbara Marie Watson, age 82, of Ocala, passed away on January 29, 2023.
She was born on November 9, 1940 in Archer, Florida. A daughter to the late Charlie Edward and Gladys Lee (Hart) Watson. Survived by her sister Shirley. Preceded in death were her sisters Joy Ann White, Betty Blade, Judy Henderson and her brother Allen Watson. She leaves behind to cherish her memory a son Okie Wayne Lanier, four daughters Barbara Ann Keller, Verona Lee Lanier, Tammy Marie (Tony) Johnson, Marsha Gail (Jeff) Shores, twenty-one grandchildren, and seventeen great-grandchildren.
From the day she was born Barbara treasured her family more than anything! She was so proud to be a farmer’s daughter. Growing up on the Watson tobacco & pig farm in Archer with her family was a blessing. She learned about our Lord and Jesus Christ from her Mama and Daddy. She lived a good Christian life.
She raised her 5 children and more than a few of their friends, some of her grandchildren, and even some of her great grandchildren. She was loved & called Moma or MawMaw by everyone. She always made the time to be with us. No matter what, if someone needed her, she was there for them. She loved her n-laws and each and every one of her nieces and nephews dearly. Her heart was big enough to love everyone.
Barbara learned to sew when she was a young girl. She made clothes for her children. She began a tradition as her children grew older, she wanted to make each one of them their own quilt. She didn’t stop there. She made each grandchild one, then each great grandchild. She even made some for Tammy’s future grandchildren. This past November she finished her last quilt for her newest family member. She sewed each stitch with love and when you’re wrapped in it you feel her love all around you.
Barbara loved to sing and dance. She loved flowers, especially roses, all plants and gardening and she was happy doing all of those things. She was happiest when she was surrounded by her family. If you wanted to see her jump for joy, “take her fishin’ or bring her a mess of fish you just caught”!
Barbara was the owner of Top-Quality Produce & Seafood Market since 1966. Once that was sold in 2004, she continued selling those Georgia Peaches at a roadside fruit stand. Might of been learning to drive on a tractor that kept her country bumpkin going as long as she did.
A funeral has been scheduled for Saturday February 4, 2023 at 10:00am with a visitation from 9:00am until 10:00am at Countryside Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Archer, Florida.