Julia Mae (Watson) Heck

Mrs. Julia Mae Watson Heck, age 82 of Sanford, NC, transitioned into eternal rest at her home on Saturday, June 27, 2020, surrounded by her loving family in a home filled with love, praises of God and family togetherness.

On January 6, 1938, the late Reverend George and Beatrice Watson gave birth to their second baby girl, Julia, who though sickly at birth and not expected to live, defied all odds, speaking her first words saying, “The light  done bowed on,” at the age of 6 years old. After speaking those first words, we’ve all joked that she never stopped talking and talking and talking; she loved to tell that story to us.

Julia graduated from W.B. Wicker School where she enjoyed participating in the glee club. She furthered her education at Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst, N.C., receiving training in Home Economics and Community Development; afterwards, working full-time for the Community Action program. A Sanford Herald 1970s article listed her as a “Who’s Who” in which they noted her as being a “a great asset” as a Social Service aide for Sanford’s Redevelopment Program. Julia stated in the Who’s Who article that, “Family service is the main objective in my job with redevelopment. I want to help them.” She also worked as a waitress for Flemings Café, an insurance agent for Liberty Insurance, and finally retiring at Coty, Inc. Anyone who knew Julia knows that she continued a life of helping and giving to anyone in need.

Julia was united in marriage to the late Mr. Robert P. Heck on December 21, 1956. To this union, five children were born: three sons, Roderick, Robert, and John, along with two daughters, Julie, and Beatrice. She started her precious walk with God many years ago, first as a member of Wall Street Baptist Church where she sung in the choir. Afterwards, she was a long-standing member of First Calvary Baptist Church, led by Reverend Dr. Joseph L. Morgan, Pastor, where she was a dedicated and faithful member, serving in the Missionary Circle and singing in the Senior Choir for many years. Later, the church became First Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, led by Reverend Dr. Thomas E. Smith, Sr., Pastor, under whom she became a Deaconess where she continued to enjoy singing in the choir, writing and directing plays, and occasionally substituting as a pianist for the Music Director, Ophelia Livingston.

Julia was preceded in death by her husband, Robert P. Heck; her parents, the late Reverend and Mrs. George B. Watson, and three brothers, George, Roosevelt, and Willie Watson.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories, five children; Reverend Roderick O. Heck & wife, Roberta of Jackson, New Jersey, Robert E. Heck & wife, Jo Ella of Sanford, North Carolina, Julie A. Heck and grandchildren, Sean and Shania of Sanford, North Carolina, John D. Heck & wife, Margaret of Sanford, North Carolina, Beatrice D. Adams and husband, Kelly of Sanford, North Carolina., a special grandson, Kevin M. Heck of whom she helped raise (wife Tashia), one sister and best friend, Anna Jackson of Buffalo, New York, four brothers, David Watson of Charlotte, North Carolina, Claude Watson of Washington, D.C., Pastor Cleveland Watson, Sr. of Spring Lake, North Carolina, and Tyrone Watson of Durham, North Carolina, grandchildren David, Jeconias, Ronald, Quintina, Joshua, Natasha, Tamika, Danielle, Zel, John, Jr., Richard, Desmond, Jennifer, Justin, Vaughn, Kellan, and Garren; great grandchildren Cameron, Cade, Tyler, Jaydes, Ava, John Maxwell, Shawntelle, Camryn, Christian, Trevor, Harmony, Kailynn, Sean, Shania, Brendon, Stevie, Jaylin, Corey, Jacinth-Mia, and Joel, special friends Ms. Margaret McGee, Nina Verbal and Gladys Reid, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Professional Services Entrusted To: Knotts Funeral Home, Sanford

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