Rita Jean (Lucas) Watson

Mrs. Rita Jean Lucas Watson, age 69 of Chapel Hill, NC transitioned into eternal rest on Friday, April 29, 2022 at her residence in Chapel Hill, NC.

Rita Jean Lucas was born May 9, 1952, in Fitzgerald, GA. She became Rita Jean Watson on June 20, 1981, marrying Calvin Watson Sr.

Rita moved from Miami, FL with her two daughters to Chapel Hill in 1978 where she lived the duration of her life. She worked for the Village Advocate newspaper before working at UNC Lineburger Cancer Center and retiring after 20 years of service.

She was an avid gospel music lover becoming close friends with stars like Lee Williams, Doc McKenzie, and the Canton Spirituals. She stayed on the road following them and living her best life for years before her health kept her from continuing to do so.

She was preceded in death by her mother Odessa Wilcox and father Roosevelt Lucas; grandmother Catherine Wilcox; father in law Ezekiel Watson; mother in law Ester Davis; a brother Ricky Wilcox; a grandson Rodney Torain Jr.; a cousin Adrian Jackson and a son-in-law Tyree Manuel.

Rita was survived by her husband of over 41 years Calvin Watson Sr.; her three children Deanne Jackson, Regina Brown, and Calvin Watson Jr. (his wife Denise); godson André Defgraffenried; nine grandchildren Alycia Jackson, Tamin Brown, Milek Jackson, Tyree Manuel II, Kiara Manuel, PaQuez Goodman, Aric and Brian Watson (twins), and Elise Watson. One great-grandson Rodney Fountain. An expecting great-granddaughter Truce A'hari-Jean Brown; sister Cheryl Wilcox; brother James Wilcox; beloved aunt Hazel Jackson; an adored cousin Stacy Jackson; brother-in-law Howard Watson; great cousin Janeziah Watson; best friends Sylvia, Willa, Mary, and Vera and a host of other relatives and friends.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home- Chapel Hill