Mrs. Almira Parker Watson, 93, was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday morning, May 25, 2023, at her residence in Makemie Park. Born on March 31, 1930, in Accomack County, she was the daughter of the late Orville L. and Janie W. Parker.
Almira, affectionately known as “Myra,” grew up in Makemie Park. She attended Accomack County Public Schools and in later years received her high school diploma at Wheaton High School in Wheaton, Md. under a special program.
Myra was joined in holy matrimony to Johnny Watson for many years.
In 1974 she moved to Washington, D.C., and became a recording clerk for Labor Union #74. She worked for the government as an associate representative for the metropolitan area for liberation of ex-offenders for D.C. Employment.
After her retirement in 1992, she worked as a recording clerk on several jobs, which included being an officer of elections in the D.C. metropolitan area, the A. Phillip Randolph Institute (APRI D.C. Chapter), encouraging people to register to vote. She was also a recording secretary for that organization for more than 10 years. She also worked for the D.C. Government Youth Equal Opportunity Employment program, where she was responsible for obtaining summer employment for young people by working with employers within the metro area to hire youth for the summer.
During Myra’s Christian journey, she joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Spotsylvania County, where she sang in the choir and was president of the Ladies Auxiliary for many years. She also attended Salem Baptist Church and became a member of the Intercessory Prayer Ministry. She also worked as a part-time employee at Royal Farms on Wallops Island for many years. Myra rejoined the Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Jenkins Bridge, under the leadership of the Rev. B. F. Burton and was ordained as a deaconess.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, from Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Jenkins Bridge, with the Rev. Brenda Peterson officiating. Interment was in the Groton Community Cemetery, Messongo.
Myra leaves to cherish fond memories: loving nieces and nephews; her cousin who cared for her, Arnold L. and Leona Parker of Chesapeake; Pastor Brenda Peterson, her devoted Pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church; and many cousins and her special friends.
Arrangements were by the Cooper & Humbles Funeral Co., Accomac.