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SUFFOLK — Jane Presnell Watson, 98, died peacefully on Nov. 26, 2019, surrounded by family, friends and her cats.

Jane was born in Watauga County, near Boone, North Carolina, on Aug. 13, 1921. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Lee A. Watson; her eldest son, Dexter Lee Watson; brothers, Baxter Presnell, Conley Presnell and Bynum Presnell; and a sister, Ruth Sherwood. She was a daughter of the late Leonard and Minnie Presnell.

Jane, or “Mama Jane” as she was so fondly called by so many, was employed at the Parker Drug Store for 37 years, enjoying her title role as cosmetics manager until her retirement in 1994.

Her love of animals, plants and antiques was second to her love for people. She was a kind, caring loving friend to all who knew her. She loved to help people in any way she could, but at same time, loved and appreciated all the favors that folks did for her. Stray animals seemed to find their way to her door, knowing they would be cared for and wouldn’t be turned away.

Jane and her husband, Lee, were avid collectors of antiques for many years. Gardening and flowers were also deep-rooted passions. She loved to share her vegetables and plants with all her friends and family. She also loved her many friends from South Quay Baptist Church, Suffolk, Virginia.

Left to cherish her memory are two sons, Dennis C. Watson (Sylvia Altman) of Virginia Beach, and Webb Watson (Rita) of Holland; six grandchildren, Brian Watson (Jennifer), Sean Watson (Stacey), David Watson (Cristina), Michael Lee Watson of Suffolk, Miranda Jane Godfrey of Suffolk, and Angie Roe Watson; seven great-grandchildren, Jason Watson, Sara Watson of Virginia Beach, Fenn Watson of Denver, Colorado; Alyssa and Grace Watson of Virginia Beach; Haley Jane and Dakota Lee Godfrey of Suffolk; two sisters, Reatha “Jo” Pore of Graham, North Carolina and Helen Parlier of Vilas, Noth Carolina; and many nieces and nephews.

The memorial service will be conducted at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1, in Wright Funeral Home, Franklin. Burial will be private.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the funeral home, and suggests that memorial donations be made to South Quay Baptist Church.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.