Karolyn Hale Watson's Obituary
Karolyn Hale Watson, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend died on February 24, 2025, at the age of 90. Born December 1, 1934, in Coshocton, Ohio, she was the daughter of Arthur O. Hale and Katherine Houston Hale, and the younger sister to her brother Dick. Her father owned the A.O. Hale Service Station and Tire Company in Coshocton for many years before the family resettled in Lake Worth, Florida. Karolyn graduated Lake Worth High School and then attended the University of Florida where she was a majorette and a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. In 1956, she graduated with her teaching degree and married fellow Gator, William J. “Bumper” Watson, Jr.
She went on to earn a Master of Education and, for thirty years, she taught second and third grade at J.J. Finley Elementary in Gainesville. Karolyn and Bumper loved calling Gainesville home. She treasured her close friends and enjoyed many social activities. She was involved with numerous organizations including Garden Club, Junior Women’s Club, Junior League, Gainesville Civic Ballet, Alpha Delta Pi House Corporation, Birthday Lunch Group, Book Clubs, Bridge Groups, Bible Study Groups, and many activities associated with First Presbyterian Church where she was a faithful member for more than 50 years. Although she and Bumper divorced, they remained friends and always supported their two daughters Karen and Kathy in all of their activities.
Once her girls were grown, Karolyn lived an adventurous life traveling all over the world with her longtime partner, William (Bill) Cross. Together, they traveled to 6 continents and went on many cruises making friends along the way. They were avid fans of Gator sporting events including football, basketball, tennis, volleyball and gymnastics.
Affectionately known as “Grandmommy”, she had a special relationship with all of her five grandchildren. She is survived by her loving daughters, Karen Minno (Matt) and Kathy Burnett (Whitney); grandchildren Stephen Burnett, Matthew Minno (Delaina), Nick Minno (Megan), Taylor Burnett (David), and Kristy Sutherland (Patrick); as well as three great-grandchildren.
Though she is no longer physically with us, her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the photos she captured, and the love she shared. A memorial service will be held at 11:30am on Saturday, May 3rd at the Burnett home with a Celebration of Life to follow, please wear your Orange and Blue! Call Kathy at (352) 538-0081 for details. In lieu of flowers, reach out to someone special and tell them you love them.
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