Private funeral services for Mrs. Karen Canty Watson, 59, of Orangeburg, SC, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 18, 2021, at Simmons Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel, 2868 Columbia Road, Orangeburg, with interment to follow in the Belleville Memorial Gardens, 2900 Belleville Road, Orangeburg. The Reverend Larry D. McCutcheon is officiating.

Karen Esperanza Canty Watson was born in Mullins, South Carolina on January 29, 1962, to the late Mr. Leroy and Mrs. Caretha Canty. She departed this life on November 11, 2021 in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Karen was a graduate of Mullins High School. At Mullins High, she played the clarinet, was on the basketball team, the cheerleading squad and was an MVP track star. She furthered her education at South Carolina State University (then South Carolina State College), where she earned both Bachelor of Arts and Master's degrees. She did additional coursework and participated in other certification programs to enhance her education and professional career. While at SC State, Karen was initiated into the Alpha Xi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in 1983.

Karen passion was education. She gave 39 years of service until her retirement to the Orangeburg County School District. She taught education courses at Claflin University (then Claflin College) and she also taught Physical Education in a variety of schools: Bowman Elementary, Brookdale Middle School and Marshall Elementary School. But her true love was Robert E. Howard Middle School where she taught for 20 years.

Karen loved her students dearly and they loved her. Anything that she could do for them she would. Her ultimate goal was to teach them everything so they could be the best that they could be. She believed in coming to school every day. Karen rarely missed a day of school. She believed in and emulated old-school teaching and learning. She loved sports and teaching English and health/physical education classes. She took pride in everything she did. She believed in letting her work speak for her.

Karen enjoyed shopping, being with friends, spoiling her grandbaby and talking with college friends on a daily basis. She and her husband would often watch football, basketball and track on television. She was a member of the NAACP, an advisor ti Helen Sheffield Junior Federarted Club and the South Carolina State University Alumni Association.

Karen loved the Lord. She attended Trinity United Methodist Church. While she shared that she did not understand what happened to her and why it happened so quickly, she put her faith and trust in the Lord and did not question her illness.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents.

Karen was married to her devoted husband, Johnnie Watson, Jr.

Karen leaves to cherish her fond memories, her husband, Johnnie Watson, Jr.; her loving children: Jasmine Co'co Ryant and Jade Elise Ryant; along with a granddaughter, Kali Jade Wright whom she describes as her heartbeat; her sister: Myra Jackson (Eddie) of Orlando, FL; in-laws: Mr. and Mrs. Johnnie Watson, Sr.; sister-in-law: Debra Watson Norman; and a host of family, relatives and friends.

There will not be a public viewing.

The family will not receive friends at the residence.

Her husband, Mr. Johnnie Watson, Jr., may be reached at 803-290-1900 or Simmons Funeral Home and Crematory of Orangeburg.

Please adhere to all COVID-19 precautions.