Frederick Irving Watson peacefully transitioned on January 3, 2020 in Norfolk, VA. He was born March 19, 1951 in Jamaica Queens, NY to the late Osborne and Bessie Watson.
Fred grew up and was educated in New York. He attended Central State University, Wilberforce, Ohio where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Welfare. He later earned his Master’s Degree in Urban Affairs, Human Resources Planning and Administration from Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA.
Fred’s previous career experience has been in the areas of counseling, consulting, mentoring, and facilitating. He worked as a Health Educator, Social Worker, Youth Consultant; and Correctional Rehabilitation Counselor. His last Career prior to retiring was with the Youth and Family Services of the City of Newport News. He successfully served as the Assistant Director.
Fred partnered with his close friend, Edward Holmes; they were the CEOs of Virginia Male Adolescent Networking (V-Man) mentoring At Risk Males in the Hampton Roads area.
Fred served his Church and Community well as the President of the Shepherd Village., President of the Church Couple Ministry; and President of the Men’s Ministry. He was a member of the Male Chorus; and the Male Usher Board.
Fred was a Bone Marrow Transplant Donor. He served on the Portsmouth Community Service Board; the Better Beginnings Coalition of Virginia Beach; the Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation as the Chairperson of the Youth Advisory Board for the Black Achievers Program.
Fred has been married to Alfredia for 40 years; and from that Union were born a son, Khalid and a daughter, Kalila. He is survived by his brother Osborne Watson, and. wife Gay of Freeport Long Island, a nephew Jordan of Los Angeles, CA; and nieces, Gabrielle of Brooklyn, NY and Danielle Powell (Jabu) of Orlando, Florida. Brother-in-law Theodore Baysmore (Tommie) of Grand Prairie, TX; Marvin Baysmore of Suburban GA; sister-in-laws, Karen Baysmore Wilson (Homer) of Suffolk, VA; Avis Baysmore of Brooklyn, NY and Priscilla Baysmore of Portsmouth, VA. A special friend like a sister he never had, Charmaine “Mitzy” Wilson of Charlotte, NC ; and a host of family and friends.
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Ferman Covington Jr says
January 7, 2020 at 12:52 pmTo Alfreda Watson and family!!
Dear Alfreda, and family, I am praying that God will bless all of you, comfort your hearts, during this time of bereavement!! I want you to know that I am praying to God to comfort and heal your hearts at this time!! All of our hearts are heavy at this time at FBC!! My family is praying for all of you!! I am so sorry that I will not be able to attend his service?I am having knee surgery on. Wednesday ? But you have my deepest sympathy at this time!! May God bless and keep each of
you!! I will be praying to God for your comfort, and peace
Delceno Miles says
January 7, 2020 at 10:13 pmSo sorry for your loss. Fred was a joy to work with. He was a tireless servant in our community. He will be missed. May God strengthen and comfort you during this time of transition.
Mark & Vickie Madison says
January 8, 2020 at 6:18 pmFred was a mentor a brother and a friend. Amy family and were blessed to have him in ours lives. May you be comforted and blessed.
Maggi Curry-Williams says
January 9, 2020 at 11:09 amAlfredia and family, my sincere condolences on the loss of your dear husband/father. Fred was a special colleague/friend from our years at Old Dominion University and a tireless community servant! He will be sorely missed.
Praying for your comfort and strength as you navigate life. Sending love!