March 7, 2011
Gloria Dianne Keel Watson
Dianne was born in Crestview, Florida September 22, 1942. She laid down her earthly body and went home to be with her Lord on March 7, 2011. Dianne was a resident of Gadsden County, Florida where she lived for the past 27 years. She was a member of the Leon High School Class of 1960, and retired from the Quincy, Florida office of TDS in 1995.
Dianne was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. Dianne was an active member of the New Hope Christian Center in Havana, Florida where she taught Sunday school for many years. Her giving, caring spirit led her to make baby blankets. What began as the making of special gifts for her grandchildren quickly evolved into a way to make special gifts for an unknown number of friends and family members. Every blanket was handmade and delivered with love.
Dianne was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. The courage and wisdom she displayed over the past five years was an inspiration to witness and a source of strength for all of those around her. The outpouring of support and love that she received from so many over the course of her illness and, in particular over the past two months, is a testament to the number of lives that she influenced and touched. The world is a better place because of her.
Dianne is survived by her husband of 48 years, H.M. "Mickey" Watson, her daughter Rona Kay Cradit and son-in-law, Dennis, and her son Scott Watson and daughter-in-law, Ellen. She has four grandchildren James "Mickey" Cradit, Sarah Watson, Grace Watson, and Caroline Cradit. Dianne also has four brothers: Dave Keel, Frank (Bobbie) Keel, Ronnie (Judy) Keel, and Doug (Roma) Keel, as well as, 18 nieces and nephews. Dianne was preceded in death by her mother Flora Frances Keel, her father George Lloyd Keel, Sr. and her brother George Lloyd Keel, Jr.
Funeral service will be held 11:00 am Friday March 11, 2011 at New Hope Christian Center, 2725 Fla- Ga Highway with burial to follow in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery in Quincy, Fla. Family will receive friends from 6 - 8 pm Thursday, March 10, 2011 at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home 1737 Riggins Road.
The family extends a special thank you to the staff of Big Bend Hospice, Quincy office and Big Bend Hospice House, Tallahassee for their loving care and attention to Dianne.
Published in Tallahassee Democrat on March 9, 2011
