Harriett Dawson Watson

Harriett Dawson Watson 73, of Amarillo died Sunday, October 9, 2016 in Amarillo. Memorial Services will be at 2:00 PM Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at Rector Funeral Home Osage Chapel, 2800 S. Osage St. "I'll be back for you," were Mother's words, and because we know she keeps her promises, we trust. She was tuned to the beat of her own drum, making all her choices with independence, even the time of day she would enter Hospice. Strong-willed, certain of her path, and unique, she made a notable impression even in ICU. Her nurse, who had been in the profession for over thirty years, told us, "I've never seen anyone like her." We laughed because her observation solidified what we had always known. Thankfully, that nurse, and all others who provided care, listened when Momma expressed her wishes. At Hospice, precious caregivers continued granting dignity and tender mercy. Because of her time there, Mother would want donations made to your local Hospice. This gift will be valued far longer than flowers. Momma is fully in our spirits. For anyone to say "I am sorry for your loss" is simply not necessary. We are her children: Chad, D'Ann and Angie. The force of her love shines brightly in us, as it does in our daddy Tommy, who helped her until the very last moment. We were present to see her gracefully leave this world, a parting she managed with such gentle ease and beauty. We can tell you, most assuredly, there is a peace that surpasses all understanding. It was her time. She told us it was time. In the past few months, she had said often how she was missing her momma, Fay Dawson Christian, and her daddy, Charles Harvey Dawson. She needed to go, and today, we celebrate her entrance into the comfort of their love. She will be waiting with them for her three brothers, Fred, Larry, and Rooster Dawson, and their time to reunite. She was proud to be their sister and was able to tell each of them her wishes during those last days. From those brothers, she received loving support, along with love from their beautiful wives and the many nieces and nephews who loved Auntie Harriett. Momma was an artist, a beautician. She owned and operated her own shop in Milano, Texas, where she created a notable presence for 45 years. She was the first woman in history to be elected to the Milano ISD Board of Trustees where she worked diligently to enhance the experience of every student. She fought for the underdog, she championed those who needed helped, and she was fiercely protective of those she loved. We have often said that you certainly wanted Momma for you, not against you. Many will tell stories of how she cared for them, opened her home to them, and fed them. Her story is epic, filled with courage and determination, diligence and kindness. She returned four years ago to the Texas Panhandle. Having been born in Pampa, raised in Stinnett, she then journeyed home. Where there are roots, there are wings, and there will be no greater legacy than her grandchildren who will continue to take flight, armed with the strength of early love and recent encouragement. G-Momma was adored by K'Lee, who is married to Eric, Becca, who is married to Morgan, and then Callie, Ansley, Lana, Ty, and Madi. Along with those grandchildren, my brother Chad, my sister Angie, and I, have been held as her greatest gifts. She loved all little ones, and had taught the five-year-olds in Sunday School at Milano First Baptist Church for several years. Many people of Milano still call her Ms. Harriett. In addition, pictured with Momma, is her crowning glory, Lynzee Jade Reynolds, her great-granddaughter, a precious one who said to her often, "G, you my best fwiend." She was a dear companion to many. You know who you are, young and old, from every walk of life. She never met a stranger, loved to talked, had much to say, and did so literally for 40 hours non-stop from arrival at the hospital until she dozed off at Hospice and began her silent journey to heaven. She departed on October 9, 2016, on a sweet Sunday afternoon-peaceful, as a child loosed, listening for a still, small voice to say, "Let the little children come unto me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Momma was a child at heart, and she gave from a pure heart. A giver, that's what she was, and because she thought she could continue to help others, she donated her body to science. She would say, "If I can help any of my children or grandchildren from hurting from these diseases, then I'm going to do it." Oh, how she loved her grandbabies. The grandchildren especially loved watching movies with G. One of their favorites was The Fox and the Hound. At the end of this film, Widow Tweed says, "Goodbye may seem forever, farewell is like the end, but in my heart's a memory, and there you'll always be." She left a legacy for all of us. Momma didn't believe in goodbyes, but she loved to socialize, especially at Christmas. Upon her wish then, a memorial service will be held on December 21, 2016 at 2PM at the Rector Funeral Home in Amarillo, Texas. Until then, know that Love never dies; it simply changes form. SERVICES Memorial Service Wednesday, December 21, 2016 2:00 PM Rector Funeral Home 2800 South Osage Amarillo, Texas 79103