Pastor Roosevelt Watson, Sr. passed away on September 8, 2024, at the age of 81, and
was welcomed into his Heavenly home by our Lord Jesus Christ.
Born on February 2, 1943, in Ponchatoula, Louisiana to Tony Watson and Millie Lee.
Pastor Watson was a loyal servant of God. He pastored Straightway Church of God in
Christ for over 50 years in Ponchatoula, Louisiana and pastored Evangelical Church of
God in Christ for 5 years in Folsom, Louisiana.
He retired from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana where he
received various accolades. In addition to his work at the university, Pastor Watson
enjoyed fishing on his boat and owned a small engine repair shop.
In 1974, together with his wife, Evangelist Jessie Pierre Watson, Pastor Watson
established Straightway Church of God in Christ from their home, where they
worshiped, had bible study and praised God with only a few members and their four
children.
In 1975, the services were moved outdoors to a tent, where numerous revivals were held
and many souls were saved. In 1976, the church moved to its first building on Hoover
Street in Ponchatoula, La. The services were filled with many young brothers and sisters
praising God, sometimes until the midnight hour on Saturday nights and returning early
on Sunday morning for Sunday school and church service. Also during this time Pastor
Watson would often broadest his Sunday morning services live on the radio.
A significant milestone in his ministry came in October 1978, when Pastor Watson's
vision from God was realized with the purchase of land on North 11th Street in
Ponchatoula, where the church stands today. Under his leadership, the church grew and
thrived, with many of his former members now serving as pastors themselves.
Pastor Watson's favorite quote was, "Everything is moving by the power of God,"
a testament to his unwavering faith and dedication.
Pastor Roosevelt Watson, Sr. is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Evangelist
Jessie Pierre Watson and their children: Roosevelt Watson, Jr. (Atlanta, Ga.) Amanda
(Ponchatoula, La.), Cynthia Watson Cacioppo (Glynn), Eric Dewain Watson. He was
preceded in death by his beautiful daughter, Sheila Watson Tate. Pastor Watson also
leaves behind many loving grandchildren, great grandchildren, family, friends, and his
surviving brother Bishop Ivy Watson, Sr. (Annette) of Monroe, La.
Services for Pastor Watson will be held on September 21, 2024 at Greater Mount Vernon
Missionary Baptist Church located at 1005 Lavanner Brown Drive Hammond, Louisiana 70401.
Visitation will be from 9:00am until services begin at 11:00am., with interment to follow at Holly
Garden Cemetery in Hammond, Louisiana.
A repast will be held at the PARD Events Building, 42074 N. Hoover Road in
Ponchatoula, Louisiana 70454.
Pastor Watson's legacy of faith and service will be remembered by all who knew and
loved him. He is now praising God in his Heavenly home.