Alyce Renee Watson Kitchen
Alyce Renee Watson Kitchen, 68, of Chattanooga, received a call from God and answered on March 5, 2024.
Alyce was born on April 18,1955, in Chattanooga, to Willie and Lucille Watson. She was a faithful member of Joseph Chapel A.M.E. Church where she served in the Stewardess Ministry, Missionary Society, YPD, and hospitality ministry. Alyce graduated from Riverside High school in 1973 where she was a member of the yearbook staff, senior superlatives, and a school representative for WNOO radio station which aired Saturday mornings. After graduation, she attended Tennessee State University.
Alyce was married to Eddie Kitchen, Sr. on May 12 ,1978. Shortly after marriage, she joined Eddie in Austin, where he served in the United States Air Force. While there, Alyce was employed at the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, Bergstrom, AFB. She was a devoted wife, a caring and nurturing mother to her children, Eddie, and Erika. Her grandchildren, Ashley and Jordan were her pride and joy. She was always supportive and willing to lend a helping hand to her family and friends. Alyce was instrumental in organizing the Chattanooga chapter of the McClellan Family Reunions for the past 28 years; she was the person everyone gravitated towards for direction.
In 1996, Alyce was owner and operator of Kitchens Early Childhood Development for 10 years. She loved children and had a passion to teach, nurture and care for them. They often went on field trips and participated in Christmas programs and graduations. She held employment at the Internal Revenue Service, TVA, Marriott Hotel, and the Westin Hotel before retiring in 2023.
Some of Alyce's favorite sayings were, “I’m the baby”, referring to her being the youngest of nine children. She would also begin her conversations on the phone, by saying “hey sugar”! and would end the conversation by saying “persevere on”! Alyce was greatly loved and will be deeply missed. Her life was a blessing to those who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her son, Eddie James Kitchen Jr., her parents, Willie and Lucille Watson; sister, Carol Stallings; uncle, Larry Watson, Sr; mother-in-law, Susie Kitchen; brothers-in-law, Jeffrey White, Andrew Kitchen, and Charles Kitchen; nephew, Sherrod K. Mason, III; sisters-in-law, Betty Freeman, Elizabeth Kitchen, and dear friend, Connie Cato.
Her memories will forever be cherished by her devoted husband of 45 years, Eddie Kitchen Sr., loving daughter, Erika Janell Kitchen, two grandchildren, Ashley Nicole and Jordan Anthony Kitchen; four brothers, Robert (Emma) Watson, Nathaniel Watson, Willie H. Watson, III, and twin brother, Johnny (Angela) Watson; three sisters, Delores ( Robert) Atkins, Clara Mason, and Saundra White; all of Chattanooga, three brothers-in-law, Curtis Stallings, Chattanooga; Elder Bobby (Gloria) Kitchen, Sparta, GA; and Robert (Carla) Kitchen, Chattanooga, TN; four sisters-in-law, Nina Kitchen, Atlanta, GA; Lennette (Ronald) Clark, Ooltewah, TN; Angela Kitchen, Sandersville, GA; and Barbara Kitchen, Chattanooga; special friends, Brenda Gale Autry, Chattanooga, TN; Sylvia Wade; Kingsport, TN; Dorea Martin, Jasper, TN; Sandy Quash, Atlanta, GA; Sandra Woodard, San Antonio, TX; Lorrie Roberts, Calhoun, GA; Joyce Kitchen, Atlanta, GA; Gloria Adams, and Tamika Davis of Chattanooga, TN; godchildren Leonna Roberts, Calhoun, GA; and Aron A. McDaniel, San Antonio, TX; a host of nieces, nephews, cousin, and friends.
Public viewing will be held from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on Friday, March 15, at Second Missionary Baptist Church 2305 E. 3 rd Street, Chattanooga, followed by a noon funeral service. Interment will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery.