Clyta M. Watson

is honored with a Brick from Marvis Lary.

March 14, 1920 - November 29, 1992

Recognizing a heroine, like beauty, is in the eyes of the beholder. My mother was a heroine among heroines just ask any one of her "fabulous five," as she always called us.

Clyta Margarite Laughlin Watson was born on March 14, 1920 in Tecumseh, Nebraska to Frank and Margaret Laughlin. She was the youngest of five children; three boys and two girls. She spent her young years in Nebraska and southwest Missouri in a family that had love and not much else. She began working as a domestic helper at age twelve and received only an eighth grade education.

There is not a single special event which defines the life of this woman we called Mom and Mama. Her heroine legacy was built on her day-to-day struggles working as a waitress, a factory worker, and nurse's aide to support our family during the years she was a single parent. She could cook a fabulous meal from almost nothing, sew a costume for school from scrapes, and dry a tear with a sweet song.

No matter how tired, sick, broke, or discouraged, Mom made our lives full of joy and love. She guided us with unconditional love, selflessness, courage, and patience. She was never critical, always praising and encouraging.

Clyta Watson died after a long illness and at her funeral, her five children sat as the Reverend Gloria Gold read from Proverbs 31:28, "Her children arise up and call her blessed."

Today each of those fabulous five gives credit for their successes to a woman whom we call blessed. The Five includes:

General Terry Dake, Assistant Commandant of the U.S Marine Corp.
Dr. Marvis Lary, PhD, Chair of the Physician Assistant Department, WSU.
Dennis Dake, Foreman, Fasco Manufacturing Company, Cassville, MO.
Kevin Watson, Owner, Floral Shop, Sand Point, ID.
Tonya Watson, Mother of three, Isanti, MN.

Submitted by Marvis J. Lary, daughter

September 5, 1998