Mrs. Ella Mae Camp Watson, 94, of Kingstown, NC passed away on Monday, July 27, 2026 in Alpharetta, Georgia. She was born on April 9, 1932, to the late Rev. Lucious Camp and Lena Bowden Camp in Cleveland County, North Carolina.

She was raised with values that became the foundation of her remarkable life: faith in God, love for family, hard work, and a deep commitment to her community. Throughout her life, she exemplified what it meant to be a faithful servant, never seeking recognition for herself but always striving to make a difference in the lives of others.

Her greatest joy was serving the Lord. A devoted member of Golden Ridge Baptist Church, she faithfully answered every call to serve. She served with distinction as President of the Pastor’s Aid Club, President of the Senior Missionary Department, and President of the Youth Department, touching countless lives through her ministry, wisdom, and devotion to Christ.

Her leadership extended beyond the walls of her local church. As First District President of the Ebenezer Baptist Association, she faithfully united churches and inspired women throughout the district to serve with excellence and compassion. She also lent her beautiful voice as a member of the Auxiliary Choir of the Ebenezer Baptist Association, praising God through song and encouraging others through worship.

Mrs. Watson’s ministry was not confined to the sanctuary, she believed in serving people, especially children. A tireless community advocate, she dedicated many years to the 4-H Club, mentoring and encouraging young people to become confident, responsible, and productive citizens. In 2007, her heart for youth also led her to serve as Chairwoman of Teen Summit, an organization founded by her daughter Patricia Houston and Whitney Houston. Through Teen Summit, she continued her lifelong mission of nurturing young minds, building self-esteem, and empowering future leaders.

Her love for children was evident in every season of her life. Professionally, she worked as a talented dressmaker for Sweet Tree Mills, where her gifted hands created designs with excellence and care. Yet one of her proudest accomplishments was as the founder of Humpty Dumpty Daycare, where she lovingly cared for children as though they were her own. To Mrs. Watson, every child deserved to feel safe, valued, encouraged, and loved.

Above every title she held, Mrs. Watson treasured her role as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grand mother, and matriarch. Her family was the center of her heart, and she poured into each generation the values of faith, integrity, perseverance, and unconditional love. She taught and led by example, showing that true greatness is measured not by what we achieve for ourselves but by what we do for others.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Garland Watson, and her beloved son, Billy Louis Watson, her granddaughter Angelica Adams and her grandson Josh McSwain whom she loved dearly. Her brothers, Rev. J. Q. Camp, Eula James Camp, Donald Camp, Thomas Camp, William Camp and her sisters, Julia Brooks and Ceslie Perkins.She leaves to cherish her precious memory, three sons: Garland Ray Watson and Charles Watson (Faye), both of Shelby, North Carolina; Ernest Watson of Greensboro North Carolina; one devoted daughter, Patricia Houston (Gary) of Alpharetta, Georgia; one beloved bonus daughter, Mary Jones (Robert) of Richmond Virginia; 16 grandchildren, 50 great-grand children, and 15 great-great grandchildren,who will forever carry her love and legacy in their hearts. She also leaves behind two sisters-in-law, Lottie Camp of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Nanette Camp of Atlanta, Georgia, along with a host of cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, church family, and countless friends whose lives were enriched by her kindness and generosity.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 3:30 p.m.at Lawndale First Baptist Church. Burial was in the Golden Ridge Baptist Church cemetery.

Please send flowers to:

113 Foxhill Drive
Shelby N.C 28150