Jessie Lee Watson was born on May 30, 1926 in Wheatley, Arkansas. He was the first born to parents, Arrie and Jessie Watson. After attending the local high school, Wheatley Junior, he moved to Toledo, where he met his wife, Ella Mae in 1940. After a long courtship they married and to this union were born twelve children. Ella and Jessie also opened their hearts and adopted two children placed in their home for foster care.

Jessie gave his life to Christ at a young age. He attended Canaan Missionary Baptist Church where he was a member of the Deacon Board and a member of the Male Chorus.

Jessie’s first passion was singing for the Lord. He toured the Midwest extensively and as far west as California with the gospel group he formed in the 1960’s called, The Spirits of Joy. Over the years, this gospel group would also be called The Dynamic Spirits of Joy and finally, Jessie Watson & the Spirits of Joy. In the early 70’s he recorded his first 45 record where he sang “Hide Me” and his son-in-law, Robert Murphy sang “Mother Please Stay”. Singing was a family affair, as his sons and daughters could also be found performing with the group. He was a fixture at numerous gospel events and concerts in the Toledo area and known for his fiery, soul-stirring rendition of gospel favorites.

Jessie had an unparalleled work ethic. Shortly after arriving in Toledo he worked odd jobs including lawn care for Toledo Trust Bank. He eventually began work in the kitchen of the Par 4 Café and made such an impression, that his boss gave him a scholarship to attend the culinary school at Penta County Vocational. After receiving his culinary degree, Jessie went on to become an award-winning chef for some of the most prominent restaurants in the Toledo area including: Zilba’s Franklin House, Alfie’s Supper Club, The Top Floor, O’Banions, and Madison’s on Main. He was so well respected in the culinary community that well into his retirement, former employers and those who knew of his reputation would call upon him to run their kitchens and start up their restaurants. Never one to sit quietly, Jessie enjoyed the work and would oblige these post-retirement requests until he was physically unable to meet the demands.

Jessie’s most important role was that of caring father and grandfather. He could always be found dispensing words of encouragement. He taught self-reliance and hard work. In such a large family, he had a knack for making each of his children and grandchildren feel special. He also had a great sense of humor. Always ready to tell a joke or funny story that would entertain anyone around.

His fatherly attitude carried over into the neighborhood and community. The home that he and wife Ella shared was affectionately called the “Big House” and was a neighborhood fixture. When Jessie was cooking, whether it was a holiday feast or family cookout, he invited all who had a desire to eat, to stop by and be fed. Oftentimes at these events, it was hard to distinguish family members from neighbors and that’s just the way he liked it. Because of his generosity, Mr. Watson, as he was known to the neighborhood, was well respected and well taken care of by the community.

Child of God, loving husband, caring father, dynamic gospel singer and award-winning Chef. Jessie Lee Watson accomplished feats that all who know him strive to meet; he successfully lived his life as an example. He lived his life as a testament to what faith in God and hard work could accomplish.

Jessie Lee Watson was preceded in death by his mother and father, Arrie and Jessie Lee Watson; his sister, Rose Watson; his brother, Rob Watson, his son, Jessie Lee Watson Jr.; granddaughter, Gwendolyn Watson; granddaughter, April Auntranett Gott Watson; and loving wife, Ella Mae Watson.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his sister Willie Watson; brothers Sonny, Esau and Jed Watson; his 13 children: Charles Bell Watson, Patricia Murphy, Melvin (Robin) Watson, Vannessa (Darrel) Williams, Paulette (Michael) Hill, Paul Watson, Kelvin Watson, Rochelle Watson, Jerome Watson, Maria Watson, Gwendolyn (James) Watson, Ricardo Watson, and Tanisha Watson; over 200 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, a large church family; his Spirits of Joy groupmates and many loved ones.

Services are 11:00am Friday, January 13, 2012 preceded by wake services starting at 10:00am at Canaan Baptist Church, 1333 Western Ave.