Freddie Bea Watson

Freddie Bea Watson, 80, of Athens, GA, passed away Sunday, April 23, 2023, after a courageous seven-year battle with cancer.

A private family funeral will be held at a later date in her hometown of Meridian, Mississippi.   The family will receive friends at Mrs. Watson’s home Wednesday, April 26, 2023, from 2 pm to 4 pm.

Freddie Bea (Mauldin) Watson was born April 5, 1943, in Langsdale, Mississippi, the daughter of Fred and Bea Mauldin and stepdaughter of Robert Loeb, Sr.  Freddie Bea was a graduate of Meridian High School, Class of 1961.  Those that knew her best will not be surprised to learn that she was head cheerleader, Homecoming Queen, and Miss Meridian High School.  She often joked that instead of attending class, she spent most of her time “getting up a bus” for football games.   She attended Mississippi State College for Women where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education.  In 1965, Freddie Bea married her high school sweetheart, Pascal “Pat” Lamar Watson Jr.

Freddie Bea was the quintessential football coach’s wife, doting mother, adoring grandmother, and loyal friend. She loved attending her garden club and spending countless hours perfecting her beautiful yard.  Her grandchildren were her greatest joy, and she never missed an opportunity to spend time with them.  She will be remembered for her kind heart, spunky personality, and ability to change pom poms at every college stop along the way, but most of all she will be admired for her unwavering loyalty, selflessness, and tenacity in the face of life’s challenges.

Survivors include her daughter, Jane of Atlanta, GA (Phillip), her son, Cal of Torrance, CA(Tina), her 5 grandchildren, Barrett, Watson, Lawson, Olivia, and Hannah Bea, and her three brothers, Robert, Ronny, and Marshall Loeb.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, Pat Watson, Jr.

Friends may send sentiments and condolences to Jane Hight at 3209 E Wood Valley Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30327. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:  The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society-Georgia/South Carolina Region, 2859 Paces Ferry Rd Suite 725, Atlanta, GA 30339.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com