Frances Watson

Born in Harmonsburg, on a cold January 15,1928, Frances was the eleventh of twelve children. Life on a working family farm made for hard family work. One of her many chores was milking cows, and she often remembered sharing an occasional squirt of milk with a lonely barn cat. This simple act of compassion foreshadowed a lovely life of service.

Dutiful as she was beautiful, Frances didn't let good looks stop her from getting things done. That wisdom has flown through all the ladies who've come after. Her daughters recall the admonition to "Make yourself useful, not just ornamental." However, her deep-set eyes and graceful frame did not go unnoticed when she met Gerald Watson, a jovial man with striking blue eyes. They wed on June 4,1947, on the same farm where she was born and grew up.

Over the eleven years that followed, Frances and Gerald welcomed three children, who grew into exemplary humans (their families swear it is so!) For nearly half a century, Rev. and Mrs. Watson served Free Methodist Churches in NWPA and NE Ohio, each other and mankind; bringing news of grace and salvation to countless thousands.

Although she looked quite pretty perched on a piano bench or at the organ each Sunday, life as a minister's wife wasn't just ornamental! He delivered the sermons, then she would deliver the food! Whether large family dinners after Sunday morning worship, or refreshments in the basement of the parsonage on Sunday nights, hospitality was never in short supply. Even when money was not abundant, the will to share and provide remained robust.

Frances was a masterful pie-maker. Her niece recalls enjoying the custard variety; there were also fruit pies--apple, peach and various berries--whatever was around and in season. The warm aroma of fresh pies bubbling in the oven lives on in all our memories.

Joyful noise abounded everywhere Rev. and Mrs. Watson went. "The Singing Watsons" were renowned vocalists, often performing duets, even after retirement! Sometimes overnight visitors to the Watson home would find as they got into bed, that they'd been "short-sheeted" (a bed-making trick where the linens are inverted). It turns out Frances was quite a prankster. Her harmless stunts invited laughter, and staved off tension.

After she was widowed in June of 2013, Frances took up volunteer work as a Pink Lady at Waterman Hospital, in Tavares, Florida, where she lived in the wintertime. She also helped distribute bread to the needy. Frances was a steady seamstress, and enjoyed focusing more on quilting in her later years. Nearly every family member for four generations has either slept under one of her quilts, or received one as a gift. Their intricacy and colorfulness still reflect her bright spirit!

At the end of May, Frances suffered a fall. She recovered with no broken bones, but it became evident that her time on earth was nearing its end. On June 4th--what would've been her 78th wedding anniversary--she passed from this life, ascending to join her beloved Gerald for a celestial date in heaven. Her son Ray wrote: "We're sure she is warming up her vocal cords and stretching out her arthritic fingers for a magnificent concert with an angelic chorus of backup singers."

Frances is survived by two daughters, Darlene (Dan, deceased) and Carol (Joe, deceased) and her son, Ray (Dennis); six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild born earlier this year...and two little dogs, her "little girls", Sophia and Lucy.

So many in her family lent hearts and hands to her care. But in the final years, honoring a promise he made to his father, it was Ray (with Dennis nearby) who cared for his mother in a home they all shared in Titusville. A special thank you goes to Julie Cook, for providing compassionate and exceptional in-home personal care! Additional thanks to the professional, caring, staff at Titusville Area Hospital.

Preceding Frances in death were her husband, 11 siblings and many other family members, all of whom loved her very much.

On Friday, June 13, there will be a time of viewing from 11 to 1pm, with a funeral service immediately following at 1pm, at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE, with Rev Shawn Clerkin officiating.

Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Meadville.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com