Carol Joy Rice Watson

1933 - 2026

Carol Joy Rice Watson
February 25, 1933 - February 24, 2026
Carol Joy Rice Watson passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas, one day shy of her 93rd birthday.

Carol was born on February 25, 1933, in Hamilton, Ohio, to Walter James Rice and Mabel Virginia Spitzfaden. She grew up in Ohio alongside her sisters, Virginia Jean and Emma Ellen Rice.

On June 10, 1955, at the age of 22, she married Ronald Eugene Watson of Wilmington, OH, in San Antonio, Texas. Together they built a life rooted in love, family, and the Air Force. Over the years, their growing family (sons Barry, Brian and Bruce, and daughter Michele) took them to several places across the country and beyond.

Carol's life was forever changed on September 20, 1974, when her husband LTC Ronald Watson passed away in San Antonio at the age of 42. They had been married 19 years. Widowed at a young age, Carol faced the future with strength and determination, raising her four children and building a full and independent life.

While living in San Antonio, Carol held several jobs, including her favorite position with the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau. She loved greeting thousands of visitors to her adored city, proudly representing the place she called home. Her outgoing nature and gift for conversation made her a natural ambassador. She was also a consistent volunteer during Fiesta San Antonio and especially loved working at the chalupa booth - embracing the fun, the food, and the festive spirit that defined the celebration.

She endured further heartbreak with the passing of her beloved son Bruce on December 8, 2011, in Windcrest, Texas, at the age of 49.

She was preceded in death by her father, Walter, her mother Mabel, and her sisters Virginia and Emma.

Despite profound loss throughout her life, Carol chose to live boldly and independently. She developed a love for travel that took her to all seven continents. Cruising became one of her great joys - sometimes traveling with friends, sometimes confidently on her own - forming lifelong friendships along the way. She delighted in dressing up for formal nights and had a lifelong love of fashion and looking put together.

Carol was creative and competitive in the best way. While living in Windcrest, Texas, known for its elaborate holiday decorations, she became a regular winner for her whimsical outdoor displays. She was an avid gardener and took great joy in caring for her many plants. She made friends easily, greeted people with a warm smile, and was always ready for conversation or a new adventure.

Carol is survived by her 3 remaining children; 9 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild, along with the many friends she made over her long and well-lived life.

She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, independence, creativity, hospitality, and friendship. She lived 9 decades on her own terms - fully, socially, and with unmistakable spirit.

Carol will be interred alongside her loving husband during a private family service at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.