Earnestine Watson, aged 73, of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. Her life began on May 19, 1951, in Mississippi, where she was born to David Quinn and Eartha Lee Cowart. As one of eleven children, her childhood was spent surrounded by family in Oakland, California.
Earnestine’s narrative is one of relentless perseverance and love. Embarking on the challenges of motherhood at a young age, she navigated life’s trials with resilience, continuously placing the well-being of her children at the forefront. Her journey was blessed with the joy of raising five beloved children, Michael, Anthony, Laquisha, Lakeia, and Kenneth Jr.
Possessing a heart that overflowed with kindness, Earnestine was known for her generosity and her profound affection for children. Her home was a place of warmth and welcome, reflecting her selfless spirit. She was a mentor and confidant and was influential to a lot of people, making a lasting impact on them. A matriarch of the family, her passions were many; she was a staunch advocate for the causes she believed in, a gourmet who expressed love through her cooking, an avid gardener who found solace in her flowers, and an enthusiastic bargain hunter, always seeking treasures at garage sales to share with others. She was a loving grandmother and great-grandmother, blessing the lives of her grandchildren, Michael, Marcel, Janelle, Zoe, Legend, Joan, and great-grandchild, Quentin, with her wisdom and unconditional love.
Being a military wife was a huge part of her life, teaching her how to be resilient and make friends no matter where she went. Besides taking care of her family, Earnestine also built a solid career for herself, first working for the San Diego school district for many years. Not stopping there, she ventured into entrepreneurship and ended up owning several businesses.
Earnestine is survived by her children, Michael Butler, Anthony (Leeanna) Butler, Laquisha (Donald Jr.) Oliver, Lakeia (Mercedes) Smith, Kenneth (Whitney) Watson Jr.; her grandchildren, Michael, Marcel, Janelle, Zoe, Legend, and Joan; a great-grandchild, Quentin; and siblings, Anne, Eartha, John, Ezell, along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Henry, Billy, Robert, Buck, Tim, and Wilfred, who have welcomed her home with open arms.
A Celebration of Life in honor of Earnestine Watson will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, located at 3075 Vermillion St, Hastings, MN 55033. Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel is handling the arrangement of these final honors.
In memory of Earnestine, let us honor her legacy by living with kindness, generosity, and an open heart
