Lulu S. Watson

Lulu S. Watson, age 90, passed away June 6, 2021, in Niceville.

Born on October 6, 1930, in Marianna, Florida, Lulu was loved by many wherever she was.  Growing up in Marianna, she was known as beautiful and fun – a beauty queen, cheerleader, and friend.  She attended Florida State University for a brief time before marrying Paul Sims, a pilot in the USAF.  Together they raised three children and traveled to Japan and various US installations before settling in Valparaiso. 

Several years later, Lulu returned to college and graduated in the first class of graduates from the University of West Florida in 1968. A few years later, she received her master’s from Troy.   She taught English and reading for more than 30 years at Okaloosa Walton Jr. College, now known as Northwest Florida State College, and retired in 2007.   Even after her retirement, she loved attending performances at the Arts Center and enjoyed following Raider basketball.

In addition to her job as a college instructor, Lulu became a successful realtor after marrying Dick Watson.  Together they sold many properties in Shalimar and Ft. Walton Beach. 

But her favorite job was being a mother, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother.  She was always in the audience when one of her grandchildren had a performance or an athletic event.  She hosted amazing family gatherings – usually trying to serve everyone’s favorite dishes. 

Lulu was preceded in death by her parents, Roy P and Mary Bruce Milton Singletary; her sister Sarah Bruce Singletary Harris; her husband Richard (Dick) Watson; her son John P Sims; her grandson Michael Finlayson.  She is survived by her children Susie (Jimmy) Finlayson and Randy (Sandy) Sims; daughter-in-law Nancy Sims; and many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and extended family members.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 12 at 10:00 am at Rosemont Baptist Church, where Lulu was a member, with McLaughlin Funeral Home directing.

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