Shirley Robbins Watson was born on July 31,1948, in Sylvania, GA, to the late Oliver and Tiny
Robbins. She had five siblings. Her sisters, Rebecca Robbins Gray and Virginia Robbins Daniels
preceded her in death.
She attended the public schools of Screven County and was a member of the Class of 1968.
Shirley became a Christian at an early age at Kemp Grove Baptist Church. She was united in
Holy Matrimony to Joseph Charles Watson, Sr. for 43 years. To this blessed union five children
were born. Her love of children and her nurturing spirit led them to adopt six siblings that
were in the foster care system. After raising her eleven children, Shirley continued to open her
home to children in the foster care system. A total of twenty-five children were nurtured, given
unconditional love and guidance in her home until she was 72 years old. After marriage, Shirley
joined Lawton Grove Baptist Church and was a member of the choir. Her husband preceded her
in death in 2013.
After working a few years at Sylvania Yarn Systems, she decided to pursue her dream to become
a cosmetologist. She received her cosmetology license and opened the Magic Comb Beauty
Salon. She joined her husband in retirement after 17 years working in her salon.
Her favorite pastimes were arts and crafts, bowling, line dancing, and baking the best sweet
treats in town.
She gained her wings on August 25, 2022, at the age of 74 surrounded by her children and
grandchildren at East Georgia Medical Center in Statesboro, GA after a battle with leukemia.
Shirley leaves to cherish her memory; 11 Children: Rodney L. Watson of Charlotte, NC;
Charlene Watson-Scott (Eric) of Charlotte, NC; Joseph Charles Watson, Jr. of Charlotte, NC;
Duane T. Watson, Sr. (Jennifer) of Lawndale, NC; Cherlyne Shontae Watson (Yvonne) of
Statesboro, GA; Cedric Watson (Jessica) of Columbia, SC; Shermora Watson (Jamel) of
Springfield, GA; Kuantez Watson (Paliete) of Hinesville, GA; Shaquana Watson of Hinesville,
GA; Xavier Watson of Hinesville, GA and Brian Watson of Mt Pocono, PA. Siblings: Mary
Frazier of Savannah, GA; Fletcher Robbins (Frankie) of Sylvania, GA and Pearl Saulsberry of
Savannah, GA. The extended family includes twenty-six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren
and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
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