Obituary of Frances Hall Watson

Frances Hall Watson, 82, of Wythe County, Virginia, passed away on July 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, after suffering a sudden, unexpected rupture of a cerebral aneurysm at her home in Max Meadows. Frances Hall was born in the post office building in Volney, Virginia to Minnie Wells and Henry Hall, both of Grayson County, Virginia, on May 3, 1943. A 1961 graduate of William Fleming High School in Roanoke, Virginia, she earned a bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate from Radford University in 1965. She married Graham Watson in June 1964, and they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a large feast of food, friends, and family. Ms. Watson’s life was devoted to family, friends, and education. She taught first through fourth grades in Roanoke and Wythe Counties. A lover of music and dancing, she once encountered singer James Brown on a plane, sang “I Feel Good,” to him, and they discussed third grade teachers. Ms. Watson was known for her ability to socialize, laugh, and build a rapport with just about anyone, especially her beloved students. A fellow educator once said she could “teach a rock to read.” She taught her cousins to dance nearly every dance that ever came out, including the Bunny Hop, Stroll, Hitchhike, and Pencil Sharpener. Ms. Watson is survived by her husband, Graham, their two sons and daughter-in-law, Jay (Tammy) and Bryan, and five grandchildren: Trey, Jacob, Bekah, Grant, and Daniel. Her parents preceded her in death, each living to age 82. A former chair of the Wythe County Democratic Committee, Ms. Watson enjoyed bi-partisan friendships while expressing a passion for causes promoting equality and championing a voice for those who couldn’t speak for themselves. One of her often-expressed favorite quotes was she liked to speak her mind because it hurt to bite her tongue. One of her favorite songs was “I Won’t Back Down.” Ms. Watson was a founder of the Fort Chiswell Library. Memorial donations may be made to the library at 747 Fort Chiswell Rd, Max Meadows, VA 24360. A memorial service will be held 4 P.M. Friday, August 1, 2025, at Grubb Funeral Home Chapel conducted by Pastor Hugh Matlack, with interment to follow in the Watson Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 2 P.M. until service time. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.