Lynn Gray Watson Walker

MEMPHIS - Lynn Gray Watson Walker beloved mother, grandmother, and most importantly friend, was born on March 30, 1947 in Jackson, MS to Mr. P. Mclauren Watson Jr. and Roselynn B. Watson. She passed away January 5, 2021 peacefully while her daughters surrounded her with love. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her three daughters Catherine W. House, Lauren Walker, and Sarah Camille Jayne (Derek); One granddaughter Alayna House; her cousins, many friends, and all of her bonus children. Lynn, a retired small business owner, was a philanthropist throughout her life. She would give anyone the dress off of her back if they only asked. She donated her time to many organizations throughout the years. So many that we cannot possibly name them all so we will share the main ones. An important place for her was Saint Michael Catholic Church and School, where she volunteered while her daughters attended school through the 70s 80s and 90s. Yes, she was there FOREVER. She volunteered in the cafeteria every Wednesday. She was a room mother and crafted all kinds of things for classmates and teachers. She was thrilled to be out of elementary school once her youngest graduated. She remained an active parish member of St. Michael. If you enjoyed walking around the Pink Palace Crafts Fair in the past three decades, you probably knew Lynn. Her heart was truly with the Friends of the Pink Palace, member since 1985, and Pink Palace Crafts Fair where she volunteered more hours than anyone could possibly count. She was Grounds chairman for more years than not. In October she was always on her golf cart making sure the grounds were ready for the crowds to enjoy a walk around the fair, even if you had to dodge a hay covered mud puddle. Her phones never stopped ringing, but she was happy to help. Behind the scenes she worked year-round to ensure the park was kept lit & safe until it was time to start putting up the tents in September. Over the years she built countless friendships with the electricians, plumbers, many City of Memphis employees, the vendors, craftsmen, craftswomen, and artisans who made that her favorite time of year. Covid-19 and keeping those she loved safe did not allow her a proper 2020 Crafts Fair, but she supported the weekly pop up and those who participated in the events held at the Pink Palace Museum prior to the holiday season. An avid reader, inherited from her father, she was content to sit for hours enjoying a good book, sometimes able to complete more than one in a day if they were really good. If you needed a ride to an appointment or errand that could take a few hours, she was the one to call. As long as she had a book, she was fine waiting for you. During the past year, her youngest had found her sitting in her car reading in the Target parking lot multiple times because she just needed a change of scenery and the weather was nice. She would drive to any of the various Memphis Library branches to find the book she wanted to read. She passed her love of reading on to all of her girls. Her home was always filled with her daughters’ friends. Her calm and ease made all who walked through the door feel comfortable and always welcomed. She remembered what her favorites enjoyed most for dessert and made sure it was ready for them. A mom to so many she will be missed by each of them. She enjoyed watching tennis, but not so much the grunting players. She loved cheering on the Memphis Tigers Men’s Basketball team. She loved to learn which extended beyond books into knitting, jewelry making, wet felting, paper quilling, needlepoint, sewing, and so much more. She was our biggest cheerleader. She believed in us no matter what. We will miss her greatly, but know she is healed in Heaven where she truly is meant to be. Due to Covid-19, a private committal ceremony was held on January 14th for family only. A mass and memorial service will be held once it is safer for all to gather and celebrate her life. The family requests memorials be sent to: Saint Michael Catholic Church, Friends of the Pink Palace, or Memphis Library Foundation.