Jeannette Watkins, a woman whose presence brought love, strength, style, laughter, and memories that will remain with us forever.

Jeannette Major was born on December 20, 1948, in Charleston, South Carolina, to the late Lillie Mae Waring and the late Henry Major. Although she was born in the city, Jeannette had a special love for the country. Some of her most meaningful childhood memories were created there, surrounded by her grandparents, siblings, and cousins. Her grandparents made sure that Jeannette and the other children knew the Lord and understood the importance of faith, family, and staying connected to one another. Those early lessons became a quiet but lasting part of the woman she would grow to be.

As Jeannette grew older, her personality and talents began to shine. She developed a love for music and entertainment and even appeared on the televised show "Jump Time" alongside her beloved sister, the late Roberta Davis. Music remained an important part of her life as she learned to play the clarinet and saxophone and proudly became a member of her high school band. And while music allowed Jeannette to express herself, there was another thing she was known for wherever she went-her style.

Jeannette was truly a fashionista. At just 12 years old, she began doing her own hair and nails. She had a special eye for beauty and fashion. She loved pastel colors, and Christmas was her favorite holiday. For Jeannette, everything had to coordinate-from head to toe. She took pride in her appearance and was always ready to share her fashion advice with anyone who would listen. Her sense of style was uniquely hers. It became one of the many things her family will always remember about her.

As her life continued to unfold, Jeannette made a new home for herself in Boston, Massachusetts, moving there in the early 1960s. She graduated from Jeremiah E. Burke High School and later continued her education by completing college coursework in computers. After pursuing her education, Jeannette entered one of the most important chapters of her life-motherhood.

In 1967, Jeannette married John Watkins. In January 1968, she welcomed her son, John Anthony Watkins. Becoming a mother brought a new purpose to her life, and caring for her family would remain one of the greatest expressions of her love.

Jeannette was building a life and career of her own. As a young woman, she took great pride in working as a security officer. Her work was anything but ordinary. From undercover assignments in department stores to hosting conventions, she embraced her responsibilities and took honor in the roles she held. She was a woman who knew how to handle herself. She carried that confidence with her throughout her life. While Jeannette was strong and independent, she also knew how to enjoy life. She loved family, traveling, shopping, giving fashion advice, and attending Caribbean Carnival. She enjoyed being around the people she loved and creating memories with them. Christmas was her favorite holiday. Whether she was dressed up and ready to go somewhere special or simply surrounded by family, Jeannette had a way of making her presence felt.

In the early 1980s, another important chapter began when Jeannette met Herbert Michel. Their relationship eventually brought another beautiful blessing into her life. In 1990, Jeannette welcomed her daughter, Latifah Rashana Michel. Through the years that followed, life brought Jeannette both beautiful moments and difficult challenges. Yet, through it all, she continued to show the strength that had always been a part of her. She was resilient. She was strong. She kept going. No matter what obstacles she faced, she continued to love, provide, care, and be there for the people who depended on her. Nothing was more significant than the way she cared for her family. Jeannette was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and caregiver. She devoted so much of herself to her children and grandchildren. She was often there taking care of the grandchildren, making sure they were loved and looked after. Her love was not always expressed through grand words; more often, it was shown through what she did-the time she gave, the sacrifices she made, and the way she continued to show up for the people she loved. Family was at the heart of Jeannette's life, and that included the sisters she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her beloved sisters, Mrs. Roberta Davis, Lisa Lyvette Nesbitt, and Mrs. Bernall Renee Perryman. Their bond was a special part of her story, beginning with the childhood memories they shared and continuing through the years of life they experienced together.

Jeannette leaves behind a family who will carry her memory forward. She leaves her son, John Anthony Watkins; her daughter, Latifah Rashana Michel; her brother, Henry Major; her granddaughters Renee Michel, Genesis Michel and Khadijah Watkins; and her great-grandchild, Kasira Watkins. She also leaves her nieces, Mrs. Rozenia Marshall; Ms. Krishonda Washington; Ms. Denita Waiters, Ms. Janaya Mitchell; her nephew, Garcia Major; her aunts, Ms. Onetha Waring and Ms. Martha Major; her uncles, Paul Waring; Arthur Waring and a host of cousins, grandnieces, grandnephews, friends, neighbors, and loved ones. Each of these people carries a different memory of Jeannette. But beneath all of those memories was the same woman-a woman who loved deeply, sacrificed greatly, and remained strong through life's challenges.