Colina Brenda Watson

Colina Brenda Watson, affectionately known as Brenda, was born on December 25, 1944, in Tobago, to Alsie Moore and Zita Alleyne.

Brenda received her formal education in Trinidad. During her teenage years, she met and fell in love with Keith Collis (deceased), and from that union two children were born, Pamela and Learie (Tony).

While working in several domestic positions in Trinidad, Brenda met Agnes Brooks (deceased), who later became her adopted mother. Mrs. Brooks, recognizing Brenda's beauty, strength, and potential, offered her the opportunity to come to the United States for a better life. Brenda arrived in New York City in 1966, where she was lovingly welcomed by her adopted sisters, Theodora and Diane, who embraced her with open arms.

Brenda continued working in domestic roles and later met and married Walter Watson II (deceased) in 1971. They lived in California for several years, and their union produced one child, Walter Watson III. The marriage later ended in divorce.

In 1977, Brenda returned to New York City, where she found employment at a nursing home. During this time, she met her sister-friend Nerissa Johnson, who remained a close and dear friend for many years.

In 1987, Brenda began working at Mobil in the medical department in New York City. In 1990, she met a close and cherished friend, Lynn, and later that year Mobil relocated its medical department to Princeton, New Jersey. Brenda was offered and accepted the opportunity to relocate, purchased her first home, learned to drive, and bought her first car.

In 1992, Brenda was honored as the first recipient of the Medical Director's Award at Mobil. In 1996, the medical department relocated to Fairfax, Virginia, where she joyfully purchased a newly built home. In 1999, Mobil merged with Exxon to become ExxonMobil. Over the course of her career, Brenda received numerous accolades and retired in 2015 after more than 30 years of devoted and faithful service. In retirement, she entered a new season of life with gratitude, becoming actively engaged as a member of P.A.C.K., a retirement association for ExxonMobil retirees.

Following her retirement, Brenda became an avid world traveler, marveling at God's creation as she visited Africa, Alaska, Amsterdam, Belgium, the Caribbean, China, England, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Panama, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, and Vietnam. Her favorite destination was Monaco, on the French Riviera.

Brenda loved the Lord and dedicated her life to His service. She had a kind, loving, and forgiving heart and was deeply cherished by family and friends. She began attending Mt. Olive Baptist Church in 2012 and soon became a devoted member. Brenda was widely admired for her impeccable sense of style-always appearing as though she had stepped out of a fashion magazine.

Brenda leaves to cherish her memory her children Pamela, Learie (Tony), and Walter; her grandchildren Maleak, Aleysha, Nigel, Christian, Destiny, Deontae, Daniella, and Makayala; and her great-grandchildren Ayden, Ava, Austin, and Jonas.

She was the beloved sister of St. Clair, Lennox, Shirley, Theresa, Jacqueline, Joan, Reginald, Clive, Judy, and Junior, and of her deceased siblings Worrell, Keith, Clyde, Kurt, and Hazel.

She was sister-in-law to Douglas, Wayne, Carol, Abby, Carol, Alwin, Marilyn, Frank, and Gary, and to her deceased brothers- and sisters-in-law Henry, Dennis, Prunella, and Jennifer.

Brenda was the favorite niece of Pollard Moore (deceased) and Carmen. Cousin to Fetna and Deniese, Aunt to Dawn, and mother-in-law to Tanya, Deon, and Diane. Brenda's survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, her Mt. Olive Baptist Church family, neighbors Kahadija, Mumtaz, and Mr. Kim, and many dear lifelong friends.

One of Brenda's favorite scriptures was:

Proverbs 3:5–6

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways

acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."