Obituary of Rose Thomas Watson

Rose Thomas Watson, PhD, global citizen, life-long educator, beloved Mother, wife, sister and friend, passed away on July 31, 2014 while sleeping peacefully, surrounded by her children and husband. On August 21, 2014, she would have been 83 years old. She bravely fought kidney cancer for the last 3 years. Originally from Sassafras, Virginia, "Dr. Mom," or "Mother Rose" as she is affectionately known, lived and worked in over 20 countries across Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and Latin America. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Professor Carlos Watson, Sr, and their four children: Carla Crystal Rieger, MD, PhD (Michael Rieger); Carlos Watson, Jr., JD, entrepreneur and CEO of OZY.com; Carolyn Watson, PhD (ABD) from NYU's Psychology Department and Beverly Watson, JD, Vice President at Laureate Education. She has two grandchildren: Alexandra Rose and Michael David Rieger. She was predeceased by her parents, Jeannette Anderson Thomas and Rev. Otto Minor Thomas. She is survived by her six sibling: Lois Blackshear (Lonnie Blackshear, Mildred Chaney (William Chaney, Otto Thomas (Eloise Thomas), Susie Carolyn Thomas (Kottarathil M. Thomas, Jeannette Shegog (Don Shegog, MD) , and Dr. James Arond-Thomas (Manya Arond-Thomas) and over 30 nieces and nephews. A true renaissance woman, Dr. Watson greatly valued education, community service, her faith and global perspectives. Although raised in the segregated South, a transformative experience in her early 20's in Portugal and Angola with the Methodist church (teaching teachers to teach)-- broadened her understanding and relationship with the world. Over her career, Dr. Watson taught students from primary school to graduate studies, including at Florida International University, University of Miami, University of Maryland, European Division, and other universities. She even taught online courses prior to the explosion of the internet in the late 1990's. A Fulbright Fellow to Germany in the 1980's, Dr. Watson obtained her doctorate at the age of 50 and wrote her first book,"Purposeful Parenting," at 79 years old. She traveled around the U.S. to discuss strategies in parenting and raising "responsible, compassionate and productive" children. She was almost complete with her second book, the "Impact of a Decision," which highlights the impact of the four formative years in Portugal and Angola in the 1960's, which clarified for her the "commonalities of the human experience". Her children will complete her latest book to continue her legacy. Dr. Watson received her B.A. in Education from Virginia Union, an M.A. in Social Sciences from Columbia University and a Phd in International Studies from the University of Miami. Dr. Watson was fluent in Portuguese. Everyone who knew Dr. Rose T. Watson recognized her adventurous spirit. She was open to new situations and welcomed chances to experience life as a global citizen. She loved Christ and was active in her church, Abundant Life. In her honor, the Rose T. Watson Memorial Fund has been created to support education, advancement and international travel for aspiring youth. Funds raised will be added to the Rose T. Watson Memorial Fund at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. To make your contribution to the Rose T. Watson Memorial fund, please send your check to 435 Kent Drive, Mountain View, CA 94043 made payable to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation with "Rose T. Watson Memorial Fund" in the memo line.




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