Dawsonville, GA - Sarah L. "Jean" Watson, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2026. Born on March 23, 1938, in Meridian, Mississippi, Jean lived a life marked by love, devotion, and resilience, touching many hearts along the way.

Jean was the cherished daughter of Frank "Pops" W. Lull and Elsie P. Lull. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, William "Bill" H. Watson, III, whom she married in 1960, and together raised two wonderful children. Bill and Jean shared a bond that was evident to all who knew them, a love story that spanned nearly fifty years until Bill's passing in 2009.

Jean was also preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Elsie Lull; her in-laws, William H. Watson, Jr. and Sarah H. Watson; her brother-in-law Louis H. Watson; her sister-in-law Frances E. Watson; her sister Nancy Lull Smith; and her brother-in-law Earl Smith. She is survived by her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sissie and Fred Wile of Meridian, Mississippi.

Jean's legacy lives on through her children, Sarah Ransom and her husband, John, and Russell Watson and his wife, Diane; her four grandchildren, Garrett Ransom and his wife, Lindsey, Watson Ransom, Brian Watson and his wife, Emily, and Nick Watson and his wife, Erica; and her four great-grandchildren, Henry, Lainey, Summer, and Scottie, who brought her great joy. She is also lovingly remembered by her nieces, Anna Miller and Hailey Allin, and nephews, Frank Striplin, Louis Watson, John Watson, Ben Watson, and Daniel Wile, all of whom were dear to her throughout her life.

A proud alumna of the University of Mississippi, Jean graduated in 1959 after completing her degree in three years. She was an active member of Kappa Kappa Gamma and formed many lifelong friendships. After graduation, she moved to Natchez, Mississippi, where she began a brief but meaningful teaching career before dedicating herself to her family. As her children grew older, Jean continued her love of education by substitute teaching at the elementary level.

Jean lived a life rooted in faith and service. She and Bill were active in Presbyterian and Methodist churches while living on the Gulf Coast, in Birmingham, Alabama, and later in the greater Atlanta area. Across the communities she called home, Jean gave generously of her time, serving with Panhellenic, teaching swimming as a Red Cross volunteer instructor, and contributing extensively to the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association (ALTA) as a player, team captain, scorekeeper, vice president, president, and an unprecedented three-term chairman of the board. She also enjoyed bridge with women's groups and evening couples' groups with Bill. An avid runner, Jean participated in many Peachtree Road Races during the 1980s.

Her passion for tennis and bridge was matched only by her love of travel. Bill and Jean were fortunate to visit six of the world's seven continents together. Jean traveled solo to Antarctica to complete the seventh following Bill's death.

The family is deeply grateful to the caregivers at Manor Lake in Dawsonville, Georgia, for their compassionate and invaluable care. A private funeral service honoring Jean's life will be held on October 10, 2026, at 1 p.m. at McDonald and Sons Funeral Home in Cumming, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, friends and loved ones are invited to make a memorial contribution to the charity of their choice in Jean's memory.

Jean will be remembered not only for her accomplishments and service, but also for the warmth and love she shared with family and friends. Her legacy will continue to inspire all who knew her, and her spirit will remain forever in their hearts.