Iva Dean Watson, 81, of Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at her home surrounded by her loved ones.
Her family and friends can rest in the knowledge that her absence from this world is presence with the Lord.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Jerry Watson; her parents, Sallie and Howard Griffith; and siblings: Junior Griffith, Don Griffith, Wilma Moore and Emma Gregg.
She is survived by her daughter, Ginger Pierce and husband Brian; her son, Wendell Watson and wife Tina; five grandchildren who knew her as Mi-Mi: Josh Pierce, Joby Pierce, Hunter Watson, Ben Watson and Wendi Watson; and great-grandchildren Caleb and Callie Pierce, Drake Pierce, Tatum and Huntlee Watson.
She was a member of First Baptist Church of Cleveland for many years and also a member of Bellefount Baptist.She loved reading her Bible and making chocolate gravy for her grandchildren. She was a pioneer for women in motorcycle racing. One of her great accomplishments was being featured on the cover of American Motorcycling Magazine in November of 1950 for riding on a grease covered plank during a competition in Atlanta. Her love of off road activities was passed on to her children and grandchildren.
A graveside service is planned for 12:30PM in the Sunset Memorial Gardens with Pastor Lake Walker officiating. Josh Pierce, Joby Pierce, Hunter Watson, Ben Watson, Caleb Pierce and Ronnie Moore will serve as pallbearers.
Visitation is planned for Saturday, Dec. 3 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at Companion Funeral Home, located at 2419 Georgetown Road NW, who has charge of the arrangements.
The family would like to give a special thank you to her care takers Martha, Rhonda and Sue for their loving commitment and care.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made either to Caris Healthcare of Chattanooga or Operation Christmas Child through Franklin Graham.