Reverend Van Arstean Watson
Beloved husband, father, and grandfather was called home May 15 2024. He was 82.
Born in Oaklahoma on June 3, 1941 to parents Jasper and Cynthia Lathine Watson, Van had six siblings. Ollie Maurice Watson, Dollie Daurice Mayzes, Gregory D. Bragg, Orbie Gene and Elizabeth Bragg, Linda Kay Bragg, Anthony R. and Yvette Bragg. He is preceeded in death by his father Jasper Watson and mother Cynthia Lathine Watson.
Van joined the Army National Guard Reserves in 1959 earning the rank of Private First Class before recieving an Honorable Discharge in 1961. He came to California many years ago. Settling in Stockton CA, he worked in construction as a masonry and welder. Blessed with a green thumb, he grew different fruit trees and an assortment of fruits and vegetables in his garden that he gladly shared with his kids. You could alway count on him to help with advice on growing plants or where to find the best fishing spot in the area. With a great sense of direction, he could guide you to your destination without GPS. Van loved to eat. A friend once said, “Watson could eat the leg off a table”.• He loved soul food, sweet potato pies, and candy. Hot sauce and jalapenos were a must.
After retiring from construction, he became a foster grandparent for California Youth Authority, where he counciled and encouraged kids to read with understanding. Van has always been in the church from childhood. He was a Deacon at Gods Throne in Stockton, CA licensed to preach by Pastor Z. Dunham Sr. Van was ordained by Tim Dunham becoming a Reverend, ministering at Amazing Grace Church of God in Christ in Stockton CA. He was faithful until his death.
Van leaves behind wife Madeline Watson, son Darryl Watson, daughters Ronda Watson, Michelle A. Taylor (John Taylor), Francine D. Brown (Zedakiah Brown), and Naimah Crystal R. L. Zarif (Najee Zarif), 14 grandchildren, and a host of family and friends who will miss him dearly.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in memory of Van Watson to Alexander Cohen Hospice House, payable to Community Hospice & Health Service Foundation at 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356 or give.hospiceheart.org
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