Betty Kilgore Watson

Betty Kilgore Watson, formerly of Kingsport, Tennessee, died October 3, 2019, at her home in Franklin, Tennessee after a short illness.  Mrs. Watson was born in 1930 in Norton, Virginia, but spent the majority of her life in Kingsport.  She spent a semester at East Tennessee State University before returning to Kingsport, where she worked for several years at Johnson-Hilliard. 

In 1952, she married Marshall T. Watson and soon left Johnson-Hilliard to devote herself to her family.  For many years she was active in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of Kingsport, serving on the Altar Guild and supporting its outreach efforts.  She was involved in her children’s many school and extra-curricular activities, and she enjoyed gardening, spending time with her extended family, and traveling.  In 2014, following the death of her husband in 2009, she relocated to Franklin to be closer to family. 

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Otto and Beatrice Pope Kilgore; her daughter, Maria Davidson Watson; and her brothers, Robert and Thomas Kilgore.  She is survived by her children, Elizabeth Rapisarda and her husband, Martin Rapisarda; Marshall Watson and his partner, Sarah Dawson; her grandchildren Maria Rapisarda, Kyra Scott and her husband Chad, and Derek Rapisarda and his wife Marisa; her sister, Mrs. Hannah Zanetti; three great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.  Condolences may be sent to Elizabeth Rapisarda, 714 Helmsdale Pl. S., Brentwood TN 37027.  In lieu of flowers for those who desire, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 161 E. Ravine St., Kingsport 37660.