Janet A. Watson

Janet Adeline (Pilson) Watson left her earthly home on February 19th, 2016 to be with her Heavenly Father.

“We are so glad that we can say with utter honesty that in all our dealings we have been pure and sincere, quietly depending upon the Lord for His help and not on our own skills,” (2 Corinthians 1:12). This is Janet’s life and legacy. Janet was born on the family farm July 3, 1938 to Chester and Gladys Pilson. Her loving siblings Bertha, Irene and JR were very close. Janet lost her mother when she was just 14. At an early age Janet saw the truth that “whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.... I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings becoming conformable even unto death, to attain to the resurrection from the dead,” (Philippians 3:7-11). This dear love from her Heavenly Father changed her life in every way. God directed her path to become a Christian school teacher and teach children to love Scripture. Her teaching held to Joshua 1:8, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night.” She lit the way for countless others to love God’s Word. She became salt and light guiding children and anyone she met to love the Lord.

In 1960 she married Robert J. Watson to whom she was selflessly devoted for 55 years. Together they traveled to many countries around the world, enjoying the beautiful people, cultures and scenery that were so special and often so different from our home land. As Proverbs 31:30 says, “a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” That was Janet’s awesome ability to love, serve and praise our Lord even as she ministered to many.

Janet was always willing to serve and lay down her life to love well. She ministered at church as a worship leader singing with passion from her heart and soul of God's faithful love. She directed VBS programs, Bible studies and wrote and performed in several Christian plays. Janet was an avid gardener, a longstanding volunteer, and a successful Amway business woman. She was the loving mother of Christy (Watson) Richter, Randy Richter, Karen (Watson) Jarvis, and Dave Jarvis. Janet faithfully read her Bible and helped her children to see the beauty of God in nature and teaching them to live their lives for God, who is so worthy of our love and devotion. Janet loved her grandchildren Chloe (Richter) Pitts, Matthew Pitts, Nick Richter, Tim Jarvis and Alyssa Jarvis, and modeled humble gentleness. She taught selflessly so God could shine through her actions the lessons of working hard as unto God, giving financially and emotionally, and serving others wholeheartedly. She loved sacrificially, always putting other's needs before herself. Even as she realized she was dying, she wanted it to be about directing others to God and showing His faithfulness. She lived holding His hand and she died knowing His hug. She did not become weary in doing good and did not give up. Now is her time to reap her harvest (Galatians 6:9). We can let go with hope because we know for certain she knew that “To live is Christ and to die is gain,” (Philippians 1:21).

Janet will be dearly missed by her loving spouse, children, grandchildren, extended family and many friends.

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:3-6

May God’s grace and peace be with you.

In lieu of flowers memorials made to Riverside Assembly of God or to the Wesley Willows Good Samaritan Fund in her name.