Shelba Jean (Auman) Watson

Southern Pines, NC

Shelba Auman Watson,82, went home to be with the Lord on January 24, 2021 from complications following a stroke.

Shelba was passionate about things of faith, family, service, and children.

She was born to parents Everette Perry Auman and Cora Macon Auman in High Point, NC.

Shelba graduated from High Point High in the Class of  '57, and soon after, Continental Beauty College. She began her first career as cosmetologist in High Point, and her marriage of 61 years to her high school love, Mitchell Watson.

They moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan where her husband pursued education and training, and thereafter moved to the community of Hudson, NC, where she became a loving wife, mother, neighbor, and friend for many years. She was a Girl scout leader and Boy scout volunteer, the walker of two pet shih tzus, and had a reputation as a “whirlwind cleaner” at her sparkling home.

Shelba attended Caldwell Community College in Hudson where she studied childhood education and, for twenty years, she served as an assistant teacher for Caldwell County Schools before retirement.    She and Mitchell were long time member of First Baptist Church of Hudson, and upon becoming a grandmother, moved to Sanford, NC, to be closer to family, and became active members of Jonesboro Heights Baptist Church.

During their Sanford years, she and Mitchell participated in church service projects, and enjoyed bible study, Baptist Disaster Relief volunteer work, foreign mission trips, and Christmas shoebox ministries.  She was a volunteer at the Breadbasket, CUOC Backpack pals, and she and Mitchell attended the Enrichment Center Stroke Support Group.

Also, as a tradition, Shelba and family spent vacation time in their house on the coast in North Carolina Brunswick County. 

After her change in health, she and Mitchell moved to a retirement community in Southern Pines.  In addition to special Mitchell, caregivers at her home--of particular dedication and heart, Pauline Holland, and Angela Garris--became a part of the family's love and life.  Like at St. Joseph of the Pines, precious are the talents and patience of true caregivers!

Shelba took on the challenges of physical therapy after stroke. In her life, she was dubbed a fighter, “The Kid”, by her nephew.  She endured a frustrating situation, with flashes of spunky faith, human endurance, and sparks of unexpected wit and humor.  Her determination, and attitude through struggles of solemness, were an inspiration and lesson to those who were witness.

Surviving are her husband, Mitchell P. Watson; children, daughter, Renee Dusenbury and husband David of Sanford, sons, Mitchell Bryan Watson  and wife Donna of Fayetteville, and Christopher Scott Watson and wife Lois of Pittsboro, NC..   Grandchildren are Sam Watson, training location United States Navy, and Ethan Watson of Pittsboro.   She also leaves loved dear sister in laws, brother in laws, cousins, nieces and nephews, former co workers, neighbors, and friends.                                                                           

The family asks that you observe current Covid safety restrictions of masks, social distancing, and hand sanitizing at the graveside service.  The service is at Floral Gardens Park Cemetery, 1730 W English Road, High Point, on Saturday, January 30, at 12 noon. 

Memorials in Shelba's name can be made to the children's ministry of your choice, or Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina, P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27360, 1 (800) 476 3669.

Services are entrusted to Cumby Family Funeral Home, Eastchester, High Point, NC.  Online tributes and condolences can be made on their sponsored website at https://www.cumbyfuneral.com/tributes

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