Sarah Lee Watson

The National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association, Inc. announces the transition of Ms. Sarah Lee Watson, grandmother of Association Board Member, Shenae N. Cooper-Drummond.

The National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association, Inc. sincerely sympathizes with the Watson Family. May God continue to watch over you all. We give you this one thought to keep, "Although it's difficult today to see beyond sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow."

Humble Beginnings on the Shore

Sarah Lee Mears Watson, affectionately known as the “Hat Queen,” was born on August 5, 1936, to the late Roy and Annie Mears in Belle Haven, Virginia. She grew up surrounded by love and community on the Eastern Shore. On October 27, 2025, she peacefully transitioned at home, closing her eyes here and opening them in glory after 89 wonderful years.

A proud graduate of Mary N. Smith High School, Class of 1953, Sarah was always full of life, laughter, and style — even from her earliest days.

Building a Beautiful Family

On September 23, 1954, Sarah married the love of her life, Robert L. Watson, III. Their union was blessed with five beautiful children who would become the center of her world. As her husband served in the United States Navy, she embraced every new place and adventure, making a loving home wherever they landed.

Dedicated Hands & a Giving Heart

After returning to the Eastern Shore, Sarah worked as a seamstress at the shirt factory and later joined Perdue Farms, where she dedicated a decade of service before retiring in 1996. In her later years, she proudly became the unofficial greeter at Cooper & Humbles, always found in her favorite spot on the couch, ready with a smile and conversation for everyone who walked through the door.

She truly lived to serve — whether through her warm and delicious meals, her creative touches on every home, or the way she showed up for her family, friends, and community.

Dressed for Worship & Crowned in Hats

Sarah was a devoted member of St. Joseph AME Church in Belle Haven, where she served faithfully as a steward, stewardess, missionary, and trustee. Most recently, she worshipped with her family at Macedonia AME Church in Accomac. Sunday after Sunday, she stepped into the church looking like the royalty she was — outfits coordinated to perfection and a matching hat to seal the look. Worship was her joy, and she gave God her very best.

Where Laughter Lived

Home was where Sarah’s heart shined brightest. Countless hours were spent at the kitchen table talking, laughing, and enjoying time with the people she loved most. She was known for her delicious Sunday and holiday dinners — and if you weren’t at the table by 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, she didn’t mind starting without you!

She and Sandy were the undefeated Spades champions, and every holiday Sarah would playfully say, “This may be my last Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, or Christmas,” just to make sure the whole family showed up. Nothing meant more to her than having everyone together.

Cruising, Cards, and Good Company

If the car was rolling — she was in it! Sarah loved to travel, go cruising with her girlfriends, and host lively card parties. Life was an adventure she embraced fully, especially when shared with the ones she loved.

Those Who Welcomed Her Home

Sarah is now reunited with many loved ones who went before her: her husband, Robert L. Watson, III; her beloved son, Raynold A. Watson; grandchildren, Kendrick Cooper and Darren Watson; daughter-in-law, Priscilla Watson; brother, Chauncey Lee Kellam; cousins who were raised as brothers, Edward Wise and Robert Wise; and dear friends, Hazel Parker, Thelma Scarborough, Evelyn Bell, and Jean Parker. What a joyful reunion that must have been!

Her Story Continues Through Us

Left to celebrate her remarkable life are her daughter, Sandra (Samuel) Cooper; her sons, Clayton Watson, Sr., Darryl (Matilda) Watson, Sr., and Barren (Tamara) Watson; grandchildren, Cedrick (Trina) Cooper, Sr., Shenae Cooper-Drummond, Clayton (Michelle) Watson, Jr., Cristen (Billy) Hunter, Christopher (Ladawn) Watson, Candace (Gary) Thompson, Quindale Walton, Trumaine (Tanesha) Watson, Xavier Watson (Amber), Keyshawn Watson, Tierra (Brandon) Holden, Justin (Shantelle) Mil-burn, India Milburn, Monique Watson (Dominique), Darryl (Kayla) Watson, Jr., Aaron Watson (Danielle), Kiera Watson, Brandon Watson, Erin Townsend, and Collin Townsend; thirty-one great-grandchildren; five great, great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Sheila Watson; sister-in-law, Marcie White; best friends, Marguerite Parks, Bertha Wilson, Mamie Bibbins, and Ruth Fisher; and her “bonus daughter,” Sara Chandler; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

Her laughter, her style, her strong faith, and her love for family will continue to inspire the generations that follow. Because of her, we know what family feels like — and her legacy will forever live in our hearts.