Odell Watson-Johnson

Odell Watson-Johnson was born on April 28, 1946, in Clarendon County, South Carolina, to the late Jackie and Novella Pearson Watson. Odell was what one would call a true villager; she loved being around people and embraced life with joy, faith, and a deep belief in the power of God.

She attended Clarendon County Public Schools in South Carolina and later married Johnny Lee Johnson. Odell enjoyed cooking, dancing to oldies, and spending time with her loved ones. She always made it a point to return South for the Fourth of July, where she would joyfully “cut a rug” with family and friends. Odell took great pride in welcoming people into her home; no one ever left without being offered a good old Southern meal.
After moving to New York, Odell made her home in Brooklyn, where she would raise her three beautiful daughters before eventually settling in Harlem. She remained a true villager at heart. She was actively involved in the PTA during her children’s school years, a dedicated member of her building’s tenant association, and a strong, respected voice at community meetings.

Odell left a lasting impression wherever she went. Her smile was contagious, and her humor was unforgettable. It could make you laugh until you cried or stomp your feet in delight. Her wit was always timely, precise, and filled with fun up until her last days...
After several years of illness, Odell was called home to rest on April 6, 2026, surrounded by the loving hands and hearts of her beloved family.

Odell leaves to cherish her memory her three daughters: Princetta Johnson (New York, NY), Darlene Johnson (Willingboro, NJ), and Novella Johnson (Willingboro, NJ). She also leaves her brothers: James Brailsford (Romaine) of Baltimore, MD; Elijah Watson (Dorothy) of Yonkers, NY; Robert Watson (Gertrude) of Manning, SC; and Eugene Watson (Judith) of Summerton, SC. She is also survived by her sisters: Artrell Pugh of New York, NY; Annetta Watson, Wonnetta Richardson, Rosa Lee Gibbons, and Alfreda Watson-Curry, all of Summerton, SC. Odell leaves four grandchildren: Demetrius Milton, Devin Milton, Ladu Kitching, and Jennifer S. Richardson; and five great-grandchildren: Taliyah Milton, Noell J. Milton, Cameron Kitching, Tristan Kyle Milton, and Makenzie Kitching. She also leaves one godson, Laquan Johnson, a host of nieces, nephews, friends, extended family and Jared Watson, whose laughter and conversation brought her great joy, especially in her final days.

Odell was preceded in death by her parents, Jackie and Novella Pearson Watson; her beloved late husband, Johnny Lee Johnson; two brothers, Jackie Watson and Harold Watson; one sister, Ogretta Greene; and one niece, Jennifer Rose Greene.

Though Odell may be physically gone, her life, legacy, and love will never be forgotten.