Gerlean Theresa (Williams) Watson, 73 of Laurel, Maryland.

On the night of January 22, 2022, our beloved, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Gerlean T. Watson slipped into eternity after a courageous and hard-fought battle.  Gerlean's strength was how intensely she loved her family.  Gerlean was admired for her beauty, style, and grace in the face of adversity.  She was a kind and gentle person, yet fierce protector of her family.  She was also known as the pillar of strength for her family.  When you needed her support, she was there to get you through the difficult times.  She had the ability to comfort and reassure you that things were going to be alright no matter what.

Gerlean (Gerl) was born on May 27, 1948, the eldest of 13 children to the late Alice LaVerne and Richard Archie Williams.  Gerlean attended public school in Charles County, first attending Bel Alton High School and later graduating from the newly integrated LaPlata High School in 1965, thereafter she continued her education at Morgan State University.

She married the love of her life, James Walback Watson in March 1969, and they shared a full life together raising their family, enjoying concerts and family functions.

Gerlean worked at the Bakery & Confectionary Trust as a Pension Analyst and Research Reviewer from February 1973 until her retirement in January 2004.  She loved to learn and was interested in technology.  She was fiercely loyal to the rights of working people and union shops – ever mindful of people vs technology, especially as it related to customer service.

She leaves to celebrate and continue her legacy, her husband, James Walback Watson; her daughter Erin Tyresa; sons, Damon and Brandon Watson; stepson, Michael Andre; grandchildren, Alyse, Emanuel (Manny), Aliya, Meghan and Toussiant (Toui), Lola (great grandpup) and a host of relatives and friends.  Gerlean was preceded in death by her father, Richard A. Williams; mother Alice LaVerne Williams; brother, James (Fats) Williams.

Visitation, 11:00 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial, 12 noon, Saturday, February 5, 2022 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 201 St. Mary's Avenue, La Plata, Maryland 20646.  Interment,  Church Cemetery.