Tributes

Carolyn made an early entrance into the world on July 8, 1960, the third-born daughter of Arthur Gardiner and Agnes Baker Watson. She was a beautiful baby who lured the nurses to dote on her with bright eyes and a head full of curly hair. Much of the fun and laughter at home started with Carolyn. Because our Mom carried a heavy load raising her “girls” alone, Carolyn did what she could to bring levity. In many ways, she was the family clown. Ask any of Carolyn’s sisters to describe the morning ritual she’d run at least a few times a month where she’d sing the Philadelphia brand cream cheese commercial from the balcony of the stairs – starting quietly, then modulating the volume louder and louder and louder until Momma would shout, “Shut up, kid!,” which sent us all into screams of laughter. And Momma loved it. From talent shows to game nights, Carolyn brought the fun. She coddled her baby sisters (Myra and Susi), reading stories and inserting their names as the characters, creating games that entertained them while benefitting her – like curling her toes while her baby sisters raced to beat each other taking off one of her socks and shoes after track practice. And she shared hair and makeup secrets with her peer sisters (Shirley, Millie, and Wanda). Without question, Carolyn was a central figure during the family’s developmental years. Carolyn’s journey took her from Wayside and Glasva Elementary Schools to Bel Alton Middle School, to (the old) La Plata High – and anyone from LPHS knows the difference. One of her dearest friends throughout grade school (Mary “Nettie” Yates) relayed how authentic, energetic, and personable Carolyn was. She labeled Carolyn a “WYSIWYG” because “what you see is what you get!” Carolyn was neither pretentious nor self-effacing, and she was non-judgmental. Very comfortable in her skin, the blossoming beauty commanded the attention of young guys, and she carried that attention well as she shined brightly. Carolyn was disarming and had a way of engendering trust so others would let their hair down and be comfortable. Carolyn loved high school! She wasn’t a people-pleaser, but she was well-respected and well-liked. Running track was her passion – specifically the 4x400 relay. She was a cheerleader and wore “Cassie” on her cheerleading skirt, which was a nickname Momma gave her that she adopted during her high school years. Carolyn was active in the Pep Club, Pom-Poms, and Future Business Leaders of America. She also served on the board of the Future Homemakers of America, served all four years as a student government representative, was on the homecoming court, and participated in many other activities. Being level-headed and honest, Carolyn’s serious and mature side caught the attention of teachers and administrators. She had a plan for her life all those years ago, and she set her sights on college. Carolyn earned a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications from Towson State University. She was chosen from many applicants to participate in TSU’s first all-freshman dorm and became roommates with Melva Polk. During that freshman year in Ward Hall, there were only two other Black women (Valerie Gordon and Denise Reed); so, Carolyn and Melva’s room became the hub of many shared memories. They helped each other; confided in each other; went (window) shopping at the old Towsontown Shopping Center; played board games; broke bread together in the dining hall; and had many laughs. Thus, they formed a sisterhood of sorts, later joined by Denny Bias, and dubbed themselves Cee Phi Kay (Cool Phi Kool). Her poise, ability to succinctly project her knowledge of historical and current events, and superb oratorical skills were frequently noted, so much so that when she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in 1980, her line name was “Barbara Walters,” because she conveyed detailed information and could tell the “news,” just like the famous network newswoman. Carolyn took the AKA sisterhood journey with line sisters Debra Sales, Saundra Roberts, Gina Latture, Denise Reed, Stella Cain, Tonya Cooper, and Angela Chinn, all of whom remained in her life. As much as Carolyn loved high school, she cherished her college days and the friendships she cultivated. Carolyn created a big life. The traits that made her popular in high school and college were further honed throughout her life. She nearly never met a stranger and always held onto friends. Carolyn was a good, kind, compassionate, and loving person who accepted everyone, loved the Lord, and was known to say, “There is good in everybody.” Ever the health and fitness buff, she was a certified aerobics instructor and assistant manager at Spa Lady Corporation in the 80s. Her genuine concern for the health of others enabled her to exceed sales goals and become a nine-time recipient of the President’s Club Award. Armed with her bachelor’s degree, Carolyn developed an impressive résumé. She produced and hosted a 30-minute videotaped talk show called “Community Focus,” which highlighted issues of local interest, and she was an on-call announcer for WPGC-AM radio. Carolyn’s family was ecstatic to see her Sterling Mirror Company commercial on television in the early 90s, and she performed ten 30-second commercials that advertised various other products. Her work as a local talk show producer, a talk show host, and a commentator at state and local beauty pageants and fashion shows made us all proud. After being diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in 1991, Carolyn was determined to live fully, work diligently, and contribute to the world. Carolyn became an active member of the Lupus Foundation of Greater Washington (LFGW) for the remainder of her life. She brought her skills to bear on various committees and as LFGW’s Public Relations Representative. Carolyn served on the LFGW Board of Directors (2001-2004) and its Advisory Board (2005-2008). During that time, she appeared on CNN Headline News/Comcast, WTNT-57 AM Radio, and News Channel 8, and authored a news story in The Washington Post, PG County Local Edition, regarding a Miss Maryland candidate with lupus disease. Carolyn was deeply immersed in the conversations of personal health and public health, which ultimately led her to pursue a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Health Communications and Marketing from George Washington University. She went on to earn the credential of Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). One of her key accomplishments was planning, developing, and implementing a community-based advocacy campaign that resulted in a national drugstore chain making disease prevention products more accessible in minority neighborhoods in Washington, DC, which culminated in her direct communication with the president of the drugstore chain. Out of her personal experience and her commitment to health promotion and disease prevention, Carolyn created the team “Victory Over Lupus” and raised money every year for lupus research, with proceeds going to the Lupus Research Alliance. Many family members and friends have donated money, participated on the team, and joined Carolyn’s fight against lupus – a fight we will continue in her memory. Raised Catholic, Carolyn accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior in high school and began developing her relationship with Him. After college, Carolyn was a member of Parker Memorial Baptist Church in Silver Spring, Maryland, before joining From the Heart Church Ministries for the remainder of her days. Carolyn spoke highly of Dr. John A. Cherry, Sr., as he deepened her understanding of the Bible. Her passion for health promotion and disease prevention caused her to participate excitedly in FTHCM’s Ministry of Health and Healing, including the Health Education Committee and the Planning Committee. Carolyn participated in health seminars at various churches throughout the Washington Metropolitan Area, educating people about SLE and encouraging healthy lifestyles and proper stewardship of the physical body. Among the common threads spoken by family and friends alike, is that Carolyn always had time and a positive word for the people important to her. Everyone remarks that she had a bright, quick smile and an exuberant laugh! Her quiet, serious, and mature side belied the fact that she had a spicy personality, could tell a good joke, and would belt a hearty laugh even before the end of a funny story. Her impact and influence will continue to live. Her early entrance in the world was surrounded by excitement and joy, and her early departure has shocked us to pieces and brought profound sadness. Yet we rejoice and celebrate because she knew the Lord, is with Him now, and suffers no more. Carolyn built a kingdom of family and friends who will cherish memories of their time with her. She remained an active godmother to Blake M. Fisher and Jalen Boyd, and nurtured relationships with grade school friends, college compatriots, and various friends she met throughout the years. Carolyn’s battle with the ravages of lupus ended when she passed to glory surrounded by love on September 11, 2024. Her life was full of twists and turns that she navigated with grace and dignity while along the way remaining a lovely, compassionate person who held her family and friends dear. She leaves to celebrate her memory her sisters Shirley Watson, Millie Fisher (Marvin), Wanda Bullock (Kenneth-deceased), Ingrid Milton (Richard), and Susan V. Watson; nephews and nieces Bryan M. Fisher, Blake M. Fisher (partner Emily), Whitney (Bullock) Bright (James); William A. Bullock (Rose), and Miranda Simone Milton; great-nephews Izigk Ali Fisher and Blake K. Fisher; great-nieces Drew Alicia Bright and Rainn Nicole Bullock; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, brother-in-law Kenneth Bullock, and nephew Derek William Bullock.

Tributes

Carolyn Diane Watson

July 8, 1960 - September 11, 2024