GRACIE WATSON

Father I stretch my hand to Thee, no other help I know. If Thou withdraw thyself from me, oh whether shall I go?” Born in Smith County, Tyler, TX., Gracie Lee Williams was the only child of Alistar Hawkins Williams and Annaniase Williams. Her mother died when she was one and a half years old and Gracie Lee was raised by her maternal aunts. She attended Shady Grove School in Tyler, TX. until she was promoted to the high 5th grade. After which, she moved with her aunts to Dallas, TX. and attended school at JP Starks. She was promoted to the low 9th grade at Booker T. Washington but could not remain in school due to her sleeping sickness which remained until she passed away. She kept her hand in God’s hand and made a living doing domestic work and became a beautician. She united with Shady Grove Baptist Church at an early age and was active there until moving to Dallas. She joined the Mt. Zion Baptist Church at the age of 20 and married Mr. Tommie Watson. They later joined St. James Baptist Church and worked faithfully until they moved from North Dallas to South Dallas and united with the Peoples Missionary Baptist Church. She remained a faithful member serving on the Deaconess Board, Usher Board #1, and other ministries in the church until her health failed. She continued to pray, “God, please be with me.” She leaves to cherish her life memories: one half- sister, Fannie Ruth Johnson of Tyler, TX.; a devoted cousin, Olan Thompson (Glenda) of Lancaster, TX., and many other relatives and friends. Obituary as written by Gracie L. Watson