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Mrs. Lena Rose Koontz Watson passed away Dec. 5, 2012, at Emeritus Assisted Living Center in Conway, S.C. She was 91.

An Ashe County native, she was born July 3, 1921, to Joseph and Ella Koontz and lived almost all of her life in the West Jefferson community. She is a charter member of the Smethport United Methodist Church.

Lena’s professional career began during World War II as a postmistress for the U.S. Postal System. Later, she entered Cosmetology school. She was a business woman who worked along beside her husband, Claude Watson, in their Western Auto Store and Watson Realty. Later in life, she was the owner of The Fashion Nook in downtown, West Jefferson.

She will always be remembered for her compassionate nature. She was a caregiver to her mother, Ella Koontz, and to her sisters, Myrtle Johnson and Louise Goodman. She was a fan of N.C. State, Carolina athletics and NASCAR. Lena was very creative and loved crafts-basket weaving, painting, beaded Christmas trees and angel ornaments. She was an expert seamstress designing many beautiful garments for “her girls.”

She is survived by daughters, Jan Goodman and husband, Raymond; Carolyn Sloop and husband, Roger, Debbie Gulledge and husband, Mike. She held a special place in her heart for her grandsons, Tyler Goodman, Chad Sloops and wife, Crisitina, Kevin Goodman and wife, Julie, Bryan Gulledge and wife, Debbie; and great-grandchildren, Gavin Gulledge and Bailey Gullesge as well as many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Lena is preceded in death by her husband, Claude Richard Watson. Her parents, Joseph and Ella Koontz and her brothers, Harry Koontz, Charles Koontz and Roland Koontz as well as her sisters, Myrtle Johnson and Louise Goodman.

Mrs. Watson received wonderful care from her doctors, Mercy Hospice, nurses and the Emeritus’ entire staff along with loving friendship from the residents especially, Miss Mary, Miss Bessie, Miss. Eva and Mr. Chestnut. All for whom the family wishes to express their deepest gratitude.

A celebration of Lena’s life will be held at Boone Family Funeral Home Chapel at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, with Rev. Margaret Wannamacher officiating. Burial will follow in Ashelawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m on Saturday, one hour prior to the funeral service.

Memorial contributions in Lena’s name may be made to: The Smethport United Methodist Church, PO Box 1022, West Jefferson, NC 28694. Flowers are appreciated.

You may give the family your condolences at our website www.boonefuneralhome.com.

Boone Family Funeral Home of West Jefferson is in charge of these arrangements.