In Loving Memory

Dora Mae Watson passed away Monday, May 18, 2026, peacefully in her sleep at home with family, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan at the age 98 years old. She was born on Friday, August 19, 1927, in Camden, Alabama, to Joe and Roxanna Watson. Raised on the family farm alongside her many siblings, she grew up grounded in faith, love, and hard work.

At a young age, Dora Mae gave her life to Christ. She became a devoted member of St. Emanuel Baptist Church, where she faithfully served as Choir President, Usher Board President, and an active member of the Mission and Society Clubs. Known for her warm smile, joyful spirit, beautiful singing voice, and homemade biscuits. She worked for many years as a talented seamstress and found great joy in caring for her family and the church family.

Dora Mae was a devoted mother to her daughter, Barbara Jean Watson. In 1988, Dora Mae married the love of her life, Johnny “Knee Boy” Murphy, in Camden. She was a loving grandmother and shared a special bond with her grandchildren, Roshanda & Brian. And treasured every moment with her great-grandchildren, who lovingly knew her as “GG”, a name given to her by her first great-grandson, Jai’den.

Dora Mae leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Barbara Jean Watson; grandchildren, Roshanda (Timothy) Watson-Doyle and Brian Watson; great-grandchildren, Isaiah Huntly, Jai’den Watson-Doyle, Peyton Watson, Lilah Watson, and Layla Watson-Doyle; special nieces, Carolyn “Mickey” Hattaway and Vivian Jones; great-nieces, Tekia Hattaway and Alexandria Williams; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Roxanna Watson, her husband, Johnny Murphy, her sisters, Alma Lee” Sister” Watson, Maggie Lee “Cooter” Wiggins, Ceola “Honey Pie” Jones, Mary “Sis” Watson, Texanna Watson, and Lela Mae Hattaway, and her brothers, Henry Forest Watson, Johnnie Watson, and Arnold “Buddy” Watson.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant” Matthew 25:23