Delois Perry "Dee" Watson

Delois "Dee" Perry Watson was the tenth child born to the late Reverend Willie James (W.J.) Perry and the late Ethel Pierce Perry on May 28, 1950, in Columbia County, Florida.
Delois attended Columbia County Schools beginning at Kings Welcome, Minnie J. Niblack and Richardson High School. Delois was a standout basketball player for the Richardson High Wolves. She earned many awards for basketball including "Most Valuable Player".
After graduating from Richardson High School in 1968, she attended Lake City Community College and received a one-year certificate for courses of study in Clerical Science in 1974. She worked as a teacher's aide at Summers Elementary and then began employment with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office in 1973. While employed at the Sheriff's Office, she held the title of Secretary in the Criminal Justice Division. She also served as Traffic Clerk, Assistant Receptionist, Dispatcher, Judicial Clerk, Head Civil Clerk, Director of Judicial Process Division, and Director of Civil Process, with the distinguished honor of being the first black female to work in such a capacity at the courthouse. She also served as a Warrant Clerk at the Columbia County Jail.
On June 16, 1969, Delois was joined in holy matrimony to her 1st grade sweetheart, Wayne Harold Watson, who preceded her in death on March 25, 2024. To this union of 56 years, two children were born, Sharon Delois and Boney Harold. Delois loved her children and exhibited this love in many ways. She traveled and watched Boney play sports and supported Sharon as she performed songs in church, throughout the community and surrounding areas.
Delois was raised in a Christian home and dedicated her life to the Lord at a young age. She attended Sister's Welcome Missionary Baptist Church from a young age throughout her adulthood. Delois joined St. Paul Missionary Baptist church under the tutelage of her brother Bishop C.Y. Perry and followed him to Trinity Faith Outreach Ministries. Delois was ordained as a license minister on May 20, 2007. Also, she was an active participant, prayer warrior and facilitator of the mid-day prayer ministry of Partners in Prayer Global Ministries, Inc. under Pastor Angela Parker. Minister Watson attended and received certification of completion from the International Seminary school.
Delois was loved and adored by many. She impacted many young lives on and off the court, whether it was picking up and transporting children back and forth to attend church services or coaching basketball teams. Therefore, her former players refer to her as "Coach Watson." She began her coaching career at the Boys Club of Columbia County coaching young boys and winning the championship game. Later she was an assistant coach to niece, Shawana Wilson at Lake City Middle School coaching the girls' basketball team. She became the head coach of Columbia High School's junior varsity girls' basketball team from 1997 - 2007 and assisted her nephew, C.C. Wilson in coaching the girls' varsity team.
On Monday, November 10, 2025, Minister Delois "Dee" Perry Watson peacefully made her transition from earth to glory. Sweet and precious memories will live on in the hearts of her daughter: Sharon Delois (Eric, Sr.) Williams, Gainesville, FL; her son: Boney Harold (Beata) Watson, Apollo Beach, Fl; her grandchildren: Shalyn Delise Williams, Brayden Wayne, Bryce Harold, Blake Carl and Benjamin Viktor Watson; bonus grandchildren: Candice A. Williams and Eric J. (Deziree) Williams, Jr.; five great-grandchildren; godchildren: Terrance (Delmesha) Griffin, Roshaunda (Dwayne) Bradley and Shameka Jefferson; siblings: Minister Lillie M. Hogue, Jesse Perry, Louise Edmonds, John "Johnny" Perry, Clara L. Ferguson (Leonardo), Vera L. Lightner (Michael), Bishop C.Y. Perry (Paula) and Deacon Russell "Russ" Perry (Brenda); in-laws: William (Phyllis "PJ") Watson and David (Ann) Watson, Ft. White, FL; Phyllis (Guerian) Fort, Alachua, FL, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends. Preceded in death by siblings: J.C. Perry, Willie Lee Perry, Martha P. Milligan, Overseer Pearlie M. Griffin, Essie Mae Wilson, and Bernice Perry Beasley.
Her extended and bonus family: Glenel Bowden (Dr. Pam), Larry Bowden (Charlene), Vanessa Hall (Kevin), Carolyn Johnstone (Garry), Virginia Wright and Sylvia Ponds. She was preceded in death by her godparents Mr. Columbus "Mr. Lum" and Mrs. Florence Bowden and by her god-sister and best friend Rosa M. Addison.
Celebration of life Service for Delois P. Watson will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Miracle Tabernacle Church, 1190 SW Sisters Welcome Road, Lake City, FL.
Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 21, 2025, at Olivet Missionary Baptist Church, 541 NE Davis Ave, Lake City, FL.
Arrangements entrusted to COMBS FUNERAL HOME, 292 NE Washington St., Lake City, FL (386) 752-4366, Marq Combs Turner, L.F.D. "The Caring Professionals"