Joan Campanella Watson

Joan Barbara Campanella Watson, age 79, passed away on October 10, 2020 at E.T. York Hospice in Gainesville, FL. Joan was born on January 18, 1941 in New York City. She taught at Brooker Elementary for a number of years and substituted in Polk County. In earlier years she was a sub-rural route mail carrier in Polk County. She retired at the age of 63 to take care of her mother. After retirement she spent a lot of time with family and her wonderful friends. She attended Praise Christian Assembly in Graham, FL. Mrs. Watson was a former member of ADK Teaching Sorority where she was historian for the club. She was also a former member of the Eastern Star and of the Daughters of the Nile Khem Temple #85 of Jacksonville, FL. Joan moved to Bradford County at the age of 6 and attended Graham Elementary School, Starke Elementary and Bradford High School(Class of 1959). She obtained her Masters degree from the University of Florida College of Education. She is preceded in death by her parents, Mario Thomas and Enes Broglio Campanella; her husband, James E. Watson and her daughter, Jocinda Lee Watson. She is survived by her sons, James "Clay"(Vickie)Watson of Trenton, FL and Doug(Darlene)Watson of Graham, FL; her cousins, Peter Broglio of Babylon, NY and Victoria Martin and Dee Hamill, both of Red Bluff, CA; her grandchildren, Anthony(Danielle)Stephens of Worthington Springs, FL, Stacy Waldron of Lake City, FL and Carrie Rewak of Keystone Heights, FL, 6 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild and many nieces and nephews. A Graveside Service to honor Joan will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, October 19, 2020 at Crosby Lake Cemetery in Starke, FL with Dr. Greg Douglas officiating. The family will receive friends at the cemetery one hour prior to the service beginning at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children in memory of Joan Watson at Shriners International Headquarters, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.