Carolyn Best Watson, 97, of Columbia, passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Born in Aynor, South Carolina, on February 3, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Rufus Bayard Best and Mamie Rawson Best. She was the loving wife of 67 years to the late Marion Edward Watson, Sr.

After graduating High School in Meridian, MS, Carolyn attended Meridian Community College until she was called to Conway, SC where she worked in the bank of her beloved Uncle John and attended her dear, ailing Aunt Estelle. It was in Conway that she met her husband, Marion, and the couple started their family.

Later transitioning to Jackson, MS, for her husband's employment, Mrs. Watson continued to raise her family while working as an administrative assistant for Mobile Insurance Co. and Sysco. While in Jackson, she attended Draughn's Business College and was a dedicated member of Briarwood United Methodist Church.

A move to Columbus, MS, found Mrs. Watson eagerly welcoming her grown sons, their wives, her grandchildren and her friends with special recipes favored by each. In Columbus, she worked as an administrative assistant for State Farm Insurance, was an avid and active member of the Columbus Garden Club, and a devoted member of First United Methodist Church.

A lifelong music lover and accomplished pianist, Mrs. Watson advocated for and encouraged music education and appreciation in others. She proudly enjoyed writing songs and award-winning jingles. In her later years Mrs. Watson enrolled in Mississippi University for Women (The "W") to brush up on her piano skills and music knowledge.

Her greatest joy, however, was spending time in the kitchen trying out new recipes and perfecting favorites. That she had prepared each person's favorites whenever they came to visit was an eagerly anticipated delight and will forever be a cherished family treasure!

Carolyn Watson was a feisty, determined lady who never failed to stick to her guns. She was loved and will be dearly missed by many.

Survivors include her sons, Marion Edward "Watson" Watson, Jr. (Sheila) and Jeffrey Owen Watson (Mary Ann); grandchildren, Rion Watson (Lindsey), Brett Watson (Shea), and Jeffrey Watson, Jr.; great grandchildren, Miles, Zac, Max, Connor, Darcy, Wyatt, Naomi, and Will. In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her brothers, Howard Best and Rufus "RB" Bayard Best, Jr.

The Graveside Service for Mrs. Watson will be held at 11 o'clock on Tuesday, August 6th, at Hillcrest Cemetery, 1000 Hwy 544 Conway, SC. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your local Public Broadcasting station.