Jeanette (Jaye) Francis Watson (92) of Mesa, AZ passed away on December 21, 2023.
Jaye was born on September 16, 1931, to Aurthur and Grace Moore in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. During Jaye’s early childhood, her family relocated to New York where she enjoyed exploring the city and singing in choirs. After graduating from Flushing High School, she married Robert (Bob) Watson at St. George’s Church in Flushing, NY, in 1951. Bob and Jaye moved from Long Island, NY, to Mesa, AZ, in 1960, where they lived in the East Valley for the rest of their lives.
Bob and Jaye were founding members of Church of the Redeemer in Mesa, AZ. Together they started a bookstore that served the East Valley for many years. Jaye had a heart for people. She served as a volunteer teacher for the high school students at Church of the Redeemer and the Released-Time program at both Mesa High and Westwood High during the 1970’s. Jaye also mentored many women and enjoyed her work as a volunteer “candy-striper” at Banner Gateway hospital. She had a love for animals – especially cats.
Jaye is predeceased by her parents, her husband, Bob, and her sisters: Ella Mae (Gary) Crockett and Ronnie (Walter) Torgersen. She is survived by her sons: Neil (and Lisa), Wesley (and Kim), Glenn (and Susie), Matthew (and Syria), and her daughter Barbara (and Jerry) Osborne; along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of life memorial service will be held at Sun Valley Community Church (5545 S. Lindsay Road, Gilbert, AZ 85298) on Thursday, February 15th, 2024, at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of the Valley, a nonprofit organization that assisted Jaye in her final days.
“Kings and kingdoms will all pass away…”
My love and gratitude forever.
She sounds like a wonderful woman. I can see her influence on Neil’s life which caused us to meet at Westwood High school where Neil taught a Christian breakout program.