Donna R. Watson

Donna R. Watson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt, passed away peacefully at the Tide Well Hospice of Port Charlotte, FL, with the love of her entire family present. She was the steady heart and rock of her family, known for her warmth, strength, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.

Donna was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and spent her school years in Norwood, where she attended Norwood High School. It was there that she met the love of her life, Edward “Ed” Watson. The two dated for two years and were married on July 8, 1961, beginning a loving marriage and life together that spanned nearly 65 years, as July 8, 2026, would have marked their 65th wedding anniversary.

Donna and Ed first made their home in Bond Hill, Ohio, and later moved to Miamiville, where they lived on Indian View before building their family home on Timber Trail. In 1986, they moved to Florida to enjoy the sunshine and begin a new chapter, where Donna remained for the rest of her life.

Ed and Donna enjoyed spending time with their children camping at Stonelick Lake, tubing on the Little Miami River, and vacationing at Myrtle Beach, Niagara Falls, Canada, and the Smoky Mountains. When the grandchildren came along, they loved treating all of their children and grandchildren to the Orlando theme parks.

Over the years, Donna held several jobs that reflected her strong work ethic. Early in life, she worked at Blue Cross and Blue Shield and also served as a church secretary. Donna and Ed also owned The Quencher Drive Thru, which Donna ran while Ed worked at Kroger. After moving to Florida, Donna went to work for Albertsons, where she served as a deli manager until her retirement in 2003.

Above all else, Donna was devoted to her family. She is survived by her loving husband, Ed Watson; her children, Thomas Watson (wife Madalene), Scott Watson (wife Dawn), and Jennifer Watson; and the families they built.

She is also survived by her 4 grandchildren, Joshua Watson (Wife Brittany), Stephany Jacobsen (Husband Nick), and Jessica Atamanchuk (Fiancé Tony), Jonah Watson and her 6 great-grandchildren, Karlee, Peyton, Aubree, Zander, Madelyn, and Amelia; and her niece and nephew, Ashley Rodriguez and Nicholas Hill.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Ruby Hill; her father, George R. Hill; and her brother, David Hill.

Donna will be remembered for her quiet strength, her deep love for her family, and the comfort and stability she brought to those around her. Her legacy lives on in the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who were blessed to know her love.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.