Carole A. Whedbee-Watson

WHEREAS, Mrs. Carole A. (Whedbee) Watson was born on February 8, 1934, in Louisville, Kentucky to Maxine and Ellis Whedbee (both deceased).  On Friday, March 9, at the age of eighty-four, Carole passed into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father, leaving a legacy of love, hard work, education, and community involvement; and,

WHEREAS, Carole’s parents, Maxine and Ellis Whedbee were lifelong educators:  Maxine taught Spanish at Taylor Alderdice High School in the Pittsburgh Public Schools, and Ellis was the principal of a high school in Kentucky, where Carole was born; and,

WHEREAS, Carole who was extremely bright, moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the age of 16 to attend the Pennsylvania State University at the main campus in State College, Pennsylvania.  Carole was a dedicated student in her major of Business Administration at Penn State; and,

WHEREAS, Carole’s work ethic and dedication to her field led her to a career with the Koppers Company, where she served as the Executive Administrator to Mr. Contrerras, the Vice President for International Sales.  Through her position at the Koppers Company, Carole was Blessed with the opportunity to travel the world.  She collected ashtrays from about 100 different countries.  She retired from the Koppers Company after more than 35 years. Carole, also worked at Westinghouse High School prior to her career at Koppers, and retired to run Kan-Do Kitchens, a successful catering business serving delicious meals.  Many have enjoyed meetings, parties and other events in her home; and,

WHEREAS, Carole was the niece of the legendary jazz musician, Billy Eckstine, who influenced her taste in music, as well as her love for singing jazz.  Carole was Blessed with a true love of jazz which accompanied her in her journey through life and as the wife of a jazz musician.  She counted many legendary musicians as her friend; and,

WHEREAS, on January 11th, 1974, Carole was united in marriage with the Honorable Judge J. Warren Watson.  Carole and the Judge were happily married for almost 44 years.  Between them, they shared a beautiful family.  Carole loved being Mrs. J. Warren Watson, she loved being the “the Wife of the Judge”.  In her era, it was more successful to marry well than to be professionally accomplished.  Carole did both; and,

WHEREAS, Carole is survived by her children, Kevin McDowell, of Pittsburgh, and Sheila McDowell-Fuller (Derwin), of Phoenix, Arizona formerly of Pittsburgh, Attorney Wrenna L. Watson, of Pittsburgh, and Attorney Robert C. Watson (Dayna), of Orlando, Florida formerly of Pittsburgh.  She is preceded in death by James Guy “Pete” Watson andMeredith Gay Watson Young (Honorable Mayor Wilbert), and a host of Grandchildren (17), Great Grandchildren (18) and Great Great Grandchildren (2), cousins, club members and friends; and,

WHEREAS, Carole’s life was one of dedication to her family and community.  She enjoyed her clubs.  She was strong, loyal and committed.  One of her favorite clubs was the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Northeasterners.  She served as the Treasurer for over 35 years, was a member for many more years than that and served as a National Officer.   In addition, she was an avid member of and loved the Pittsburgh Pioneers Club.  She was President and member for over 20 years.  She, also, loved her membership in the Grandmothers’ Club where she was active and served as President for more than 20 years.  She loved playing cards, was a member of the Decks Pinochle Club where she served as President.  She was also a member of the NAACP and gave to many charitable organizations. Carole was a generous contributor to NEED, the Urban League, and she sponsored a family for Children, Youth, and Family Services yearly, providing Christmas for a family and sent a high school young lady to the Prom with dress and shoes, etc.  In her free time, Carole was also a dedicated member of the Stoop and Bend Garden Club.  She was President and she loved gardening.  She was also a member of the Junior Mothers Club; and,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh honors Mrs. Carole A. (Whedbee) Watson, “Wife of the Judge”, for a life lived to its fullest and a legacy of love, perseverance, dedication, and service.  We convey our most sincere sympathies to her family, and we convey our most special thoughts and prayers to the Honorable Judge J. Warren Watson.  

Passed in City Council Tuesday, March 13th, 2018.

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