Bernice Watson

Bernice “Kitty” Kerley Watson was born on July 4, 1941, to Hollis M. Kerley, Sr. and Mary Frances Dallas Kerley in Hutto, Texas.

She will forever be remembered by her devoted husband of 60 years, Kenneth Watson Sr. and her beloved children: Rhonda Kerley, Leroy Griffin (Gloria), Reggie Griffin (Myra) and Kenneth Watson, Jr. (Natalie). She was blessed with 22 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Bernice was the special aunt and grandmother that everyone adored.

Bernice loved life, and above all, she loved her family. She took great joy in cooking for them and was especially known for making the best enchiladas and peanut butter cookies. Her legacy is one of strength, love, and deep-rooted family values. She was the granddaughter of the honorable Professor Dock Benjamin Kerley, a pillar of the Hutto community, for whom Kerley Elementary is named.

From an early age. Bernice was introduced to the Lord by her mother, Mary Frances Dallas Kerley, along with their entire family. She later moved to San Antonio from Hutto, where she met and married Kenneth Watson Sr. Together, they built a life and raised four children. She dedicated 20 years of service to Northside Independent School District (NSID). Bernice was also a dedicated member of Greater Love Missionary Baptist Church, since May of 2000, where she served faithfully in the Senior Saints Choir and Mission 1. Her commitment to service brought her immense joy and pride.

There are countless priceless memories of this matriarch that will remain forever etched in our Hearts. Not a day will go by where she isn’t missed. Her tenacity, faith, and love for her family and community defined her.

Even in her final moments, Bernice remained her sassy, spirited self. When her niece couldn’t cook her favorite chitterlings, she jokingly remarked, “I guess I will go to heaven without my chitterlings.” She passed away peacefully, surrounded by the presence of God and the love of her family.

Bernice (Kerley) Watson is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Hollis M. Kerley Sr. and Mary Frances Dallas Kerley, her dear son, Alvin Griffin Jr. and her cherished siblings: Hollis M. “Skee Bo” Kerley Jr., Leroy “Dude” Kerley, Harold “Bo Bo” Kerley, Mary Lee Washington, and Helen Nadine Coleman.

Her love, laughter, and legacy will live on in all who knew her.