Katherine Watson's Obituary
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” . 2 Timothy 4:7
Katherine Watson was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on February 24, 1938. She was a member of Hamlett Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME), Chattanooga, Tennessee where she served as a member of the Mother’s Board.
Katherine, a graduate of Howard High School, class of 1957, retired from Erlanger Hospital after working over 45 years. She was a very hard worker. Katherine was a single parent raising six kids – and at times, her siblings. She worked tirelessly to make ends meet and to ensure that her children were taken care of. Katherine was the matriarch of the family, and everyone knew it!
Katherine was dependable, tough-spirited, and a total comic relief until the very end. She had a very contagious laugh and enjoyed spending time with her family, dancing, shopping, and buying handbags. Although she wasn’t one for affection and “I love you’s”, she was very direct and most times unfiltered which is how she demonstrated her love. Her tough spirit gained her respect by young people within her community. She did not care who they were, she spoke to them as if she could handle them. Katherine was a force to be reckoned with – that’s one of the many reasons why she was cherished and will be forever missed.
Katherine was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Elizabeth Silvels; sisters, Georgia A. Finch, Shirley Silvels, and Sandra Johnson; and grandson Larry, LaBrian Watson.
Those left to cherish Katherine's memories are her sons, Tommy Watson of Chattanooga, TN and Steven (Marlo) Watson of Ashburn, VA; daughters, Sharon Watson of Chattanooga, TN, Annette (Tim) Pringle of Huntsville, AL, Cathy (Jason) Eppinger of Chattanooga, TN, and Cheryl Watson of Chattanooga, TN; brother, Hargis R. Saleen of Chattanooga, TN; sisters, Carolyn Silvels of Chattanooga, TN, Jackie (Herschel) Strickland of Chattanooga, TN, Evelyn Porter of Chattanooga, TN, and Agnes Langston of Chattanooga, TN; nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter; and a host of nieces; nephews; cousins; other relatives and friends.
Katherine will lie-in-state on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will be on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the Chapel with Pastor Henry McClain as the Eulogist. Burial in Greenwood Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Katherine?
What’s a lesson you learned from Katherine?
Share a story where Katherine's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Katherine you’ll never forget.
How did Katherine make you smile?