Dorothy Louise Watson

Dorothy Louise West Watson

Dorothy Louise West Watson, 80, passed away peacefully at her home in Georgiana, Alabama, on January 31, 2026, surrounded by her children. “Dot” was born on April 5, 1945, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Carl Jackson West, Sr. and Bertha Mae Dawson West. She was a member of the 1963 graduating class of Ramsay High School and went on to attend Auburn University, where she graduated with a degree in Home Economics in 1967.

While at Auburn, Dot met and married Lynn Harold Watson. After graduation, the couple made their home and brought their three children up in Georgiana. During their early years of marriage, Dot’s first career was that of a full-time homemaker. She was a wonderful and supportive wife and mother, always giving one hundred percent to her family.

Dot was also incredibly artistic and creative. Whether drafting the architectural plans for their home of 50 years or spending over two thousand hours on a French hand-sewn heirloom christening gown for her grandchildren, she could visualize something and make it come to life.

In 1989, Dot embarked on her second career when she began working for the State of Alabama’s Department of Human Resources. She began as a social worker, eventually becoming a director in Child Protective Services, working with foster children and parents, touching the lives of countless children who were in neglectful or abusive situations. She retired in 2017, but for the remainder of her life she would continue to cross paths with grateful and loving children whom she had helped during her time at the DHR.

During their later years, Dot and Lynn spent much time in Florida with their children and grandchildren. Dot enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and spending holidays with her family. She loved chocolate, often referring to herself as a chocoholic. Her favorite color was red and her very best friend was her miniature schnauzer, Pepper. Dot loved boating and spending time on the beach. She and Lynn were married for fifty-nine years until his death in 2024.

Dot is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lynn Harold Watson; her parents, Carl Jackson West, Sr. and Bertha Mae Dawson West; and her son-in-law John Davis Sewell.

She is survived by her children, Kimberly Watson Sewell, Franklin Harold Watson (Magen), Christopher Harold Watson (Katie), and grandchildren, Georgiana Belle Watson, Nolan Harold Watson, Carlin Joan Watson, Ruby Webb Watson, and Lane Davis Watson.

Services will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Family visitation at 10:00 a.m. with Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m., The Reverend Linda Suzanne C. Borgen officiating. William H. Hugghins, William F. Kelley, III, Charles M. Modica, Jr., Kaiden Silva Malheiro, Nolan Harold Watson, and James Thomas Watson will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the St. Thomas Episcopal Church youth program (EYC) or the Butler County Department of Human Resources Foster and Adoptive Children’s Program.