Elizabeth (Lib) Dewitt Watson was born on August 5, 1941 in True Vine, SC, to the late Samuel Jones and Sally Vereen; and adopted by her uncle and aunt, Ned and Rebecca Vereen Dewitt. Her birth certificate was incorrectly recorded September 5, so she shared a unique birthday series (September 5, 6, 7) with her daughters.

Lib graduated from Whittemore School in Conway, SC, and completed two years at South Carolina State College. She left after her sophomore year to marry Second Lieutenant James E. Watson. This started her Army-wife life that lasted for 24 years, during which time the couple raised three  loving children, Candy, Tammie, and Jimmy; while traveling around the world. Lib was well-known in the military community, frequently sitting on committees, hosting events and parties, and serving as a Welcome Wagon Hostess to incoming families.

Lib made sure her children were well-rounded and active. Along with her, they bowled, played tennis, had picnics, enjoyed board games, cooked, visited museums and state fairs, and swam daily during the summer months. Typically, during hot summer days, she could be found trying to relax in her poolside chair while hearing "Watch Mom!" and "Look Mom!" hundreds of times from three small but loud voices! She was a stay-home mom who got a part-time job when the kids were teens, but it didn't last. Neither kids nor dad liked Mom not being home when they got home to bring order, stability, and loving support to their lives, so she quit after three weeks to take care for her loved (yet spoiled!) family.

In 1981, when they got stationed at Fort Monroe, VA, Lib joined Bethel Temple Church and became an integral part of the church. She was a prayer ministry leader, a key member of the women's ministry core team, taught many classes, and decorated and/or provided floral arrangements for many events. Floral arrangements was one of the many talents she'd acquired as an Army-wife, along with ceramics, sewing, and quilting. Among her most notable achievements was the Bethel Temple Woman of the Year award she won. The award was a testament to her greatest passion in life: living for and loving Jesus! For the last several years, she attended All Generations Church where she continued her love of ministry as much as she was possible.

Lib was also known for her quilts and apple cakes. If you were blessed to be around when the "baking bug" hit her, you know these delicious cakes! However, if you were not so fortunate and ended up on the "I'm gonna make you one" list, you're welcome to pick up the recipe and ingredients from the house! Dad used to say she always had 10 unfinished projects going, and it was true. But her heart was in each and every one!

Lib is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Jim; her brother-in-law, John D. Hardy; and her siblings; Johnny, Patricia, and Connie. She leaves to cherish her memory, Candy, Tammie, and Jimmy and his wife, Manana; grandchildren, Liza and Dato; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Alvin and Margie Watson; sister-in-law, Beverly Hardy; sister-in-law, Sheavon Roach (Bill); siblings Carolyn, Sandra, Franklin, Marty, Wilhelmina, Trudy, and Oscar, Jr; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A funeral service will be held 9:00 a.m., Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Bethel Temple Church, 1705 Todds Lane, Hampton, Va. Interment will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens.