The greatest Author in the Universe inspired King Solomon to pen these words found in Prov. 22:1 “A good name is to be chosen rather than great wealth, to be respected is better than silver and gold”. It is safe to say that this scripture describes the way Esbell Watson lived her entire life. Esbell was not a rich person as she struggled to raise her six children mainly by herself throughout the major part of her life. However, she was well respected by her siblings, friends and entire family for her compassionate, mild, warm and wise nature.

Esbell May Watson was born on November 19th 1935 in Kendal Manchester, Jamaica W.I. She was the first child of Albert Leopold Watson and Gwendolyn Imogene Blackwood. They lived in the township of Kendal, Manchester for a time and then later moved to Kingston where Esbell lived for most of her adult life.

Esbell Watson went to Ebenezer-school where she passed the first, second and third year exams. She then graduated and later attended a trade school to study the craft of sewing. She was self employed for a number of years as a seamstress. In the later part of her work career, she gained employment at a company called Serve-well Furniture Factory. Esbell subsequently migrated to the United States where she later became a citizen.

Esbell was very active in the lives of her grand children and great-grand(s). She devoted many hours baby-sitting and guiding them on the right course in life. She loved a variety of sports: Esbell was a Mets, Knick and Serena Williams fan. She also spent most of her time reading, especially the bible.

Esbell May Watson was a remarkably, loyal, thoughtful and compassionate person who devoted her time willingly to help family, friends and acquaintances: One example of her compassion and selflessness was an occasion when she exposed herself to TB in order to take care of stranger’s child, so that the mother could keep her job. Esbell volunteered without compensation and protection from this contagious disease when no one else would assist.

She always gave sound counsel, never excluding God, giving praise and honor to him. Her famous saying was “Leave everything to God. He will take care of everything in due time”. She was a positive person who saw the silver lining in a cloud or the light at the end of a dark tunnel.

Esbell Watson had two siblings, sister-Joyce and brother-Lincoln (Deceased). She is survived by six children in order of seniority, Marcia Smith, Sandra Strachan, Lawrence Strachan, Derrick Strachan, Charmaine Dobson and Pamela Barrington; Grand children, Krishna(Deceased), Jermaine, Omar, Jonathan, Rohan, Gary, Sheldon, Tiffany, Miguel, Cornelia, Mekeda, Doran, Nicolette, Brittney, Shonique, Marlon and Brandon; Great-Grand Children Asia, Dorian, Mahliek, Amoy, Aurelia , Sheldon Jr., Calissa, Kiersten, Skyler, Ayden and Jacob; Nieces, Nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Affiliations

Jamaican Flag