Barbara Elizabeth (Lee) Watson Kilson, 74 of Newburg, Maryland.

Barbara's Journey

Barbara Elizabeth Lee was born Wednesday, December 13, 1944, in La Plata, Maryland to Jack and Bessie Lee.

She grew up in La Plata, Maryland and was educated in the Charles County Public School System, graduating from Bel Alton High School in 1962.  After graduating High School, Barbara attended the Chesapeake Business Institute in Clinton, Maryland. Barbara's work career spanned many years of faithfulness and dedication.  In her former years as a teen, she was employed at the Physicians Memorial Hospital "La Plata Hospital" in La Plata, Maryland.  For many years she worked alongside her husband Oscar in growing tobacco.  Although she was a strong and hard worker she  would prepare meals for the workers with her gifted hands. She was also employed with the Federal Government at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Indian Head, Maryland where she retired after many years of dedicated service.

Barbara married John Oscar Watson on Saturday, February 29, 1964.  In the ensuing years they welcomed three lovely children, Darin Eugene, Wayne Oscar and Wendy Lee. Barbara remained a devoted and faithful wife to John for 32 years until he transitioned on Thursday, July 4, 1996.  Later in life she married Rev. William Earl Kilson Sr.  She was a devoted wife to "Rev" as she more affectionately called him, until he transitioned on Saturday, February 3, 2007.

She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and the family dog, Split.  Barbara also enjoyed playing card games with family and friends, listening to gospel music and attending gospel concerts. Her favorite gospel group was the Silvertones and Sam Neal was her favorite singer in the group.

In 2014, Barbara was extremely proud to be associated with members of the community to help elect Sheriff Troy D. Berry as the first African American to ever serve as Charles County Sheriff. She was also involved in numerous fundraisers and projects that served the local community to include: St. Matthew's United Methodist Church; government building in La Plata (after the tornado); Save the Seed Ministry; Pre-Birthday celebration for Jesus for the Christmas Holidays; Bel Aton CBC Committee; NAACP; Willing Helpers Society; Volunteers of the Community and assisted in many fundraisers.  She took delight in serving the community for over 40 years.

She was the youngest of ten children however, she was considered the matriarch of the family.  Her home was always open to everyone.  In fact, her home was jokingly referred to as the Edge Hill Convalescent Center because she cared for anyone in need.  More recently she managed to care for her brother, Russell, until he transitioned on Monday, October 29, 2018 even though her own health was declining.

Her genuine care and concern for everyone she met showed brightly through her loving smile and kind words. Barbara was a symbol of strength to her family and became a mother to us all.  We are truly a blessed and better family for the years we had with her.

Surrounded by her loving family, Barbara transitioned to eternal life, Saturday night, November 9, 2019, at her home in Newburg, Maryland.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Bessie Lee, husbands, John Oscar Watson and Rev. William Earl Kilson, Sr., brothers, Frank Bond "Mutt", Francis "Tom", Irving, Herman and Charles "Russell" Lee, sisters, LaVerne Williams and Gladys Underdown.

Loving memories of Barbara will be treasured by her sons, Darin E. Watson, Sr. (Teya), Wayne O. Watson, Sr. (Adrienne); daughter, Wendy L. Watson; grandchildren, Candace (Jamal), Darin Jr., Kaya, Antonio "AJ", Wayne Jr., Daniel "Juwan", Montez, DeAndre, and Treyvon; great-grandchildren, Tamia, Brianna, Aaliyah, Kaysen and Kaiden; brothers, Earl and Donald (Barbara); devoted nieces, Gerlean "Gerl" Watson, who was more like a sister to her and her niece and caregiver, Ginger "Penny" Williams and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, special friends, Carolyn and Frankie Anderson other relatives and friends.

Viewing, 9:00 a.m. until time of Service, 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 18, 2019 in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640.  Interment following Service at St. Mary's Newport Catholic Church Cemetery, 11555 St. Mary's Church Road, Charlotte Hall, Maryland 20622.