A Mother’s Love, A Lifetime of Service: Valerie's Final Bow
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My name is Joseph Watson, and I’m reaching out to you during one of the hardest moments of my life. I am 33 years old, and today I face a heartbreaking task I never imagined—raising funds to honor my mother, Valerie Watson-Baxter, with a proper burial.
Valerie wasn’t just my mother; she was a force of nature, a beacon of hope, and an inspiration to everyone who knew her. After the devastating loss of her eldest son, Nathaniel Watson, Jr., to cancer in 2000, she channeled her grief into helping others by founding The Nathaniel Watson, Jr. Memorial Foundation. This nonprofit became her passion and purpose, serving families with terminally ill children. She knew firsthand the unimaginable pain of losing a child, and she made it her mission to support those walking that same path. Through her efforts, Valerie touched countless lives, offering both comfort and practical aid to families in need across the greater Atlanta area.
Her work was not just professional; it was deeply personal. Her strength, compassion, and relentless drive to make a difference were the cornerstones of her legacy. Despite her own struggles, she always found a way to give back. But in 2020, my mother’s life changed dramatically. She suffered a major stroke that left her disabled and with dementia.
After the stroke in 2020, her three sons—Nicholas, Joseph, and Jeremy—took extra special care of her for three years. We adjusted our lives to ensure she was completely cared for. Between managing her food, medicines, medical supplies, and taking her to countless doctor’s appointments, we made sure she had everything she needed. Unfortunately, this level of care exhausted our funds. In 2023, Valerie was moved into a nursing facility while her sons worked on rebuilding the foundation for her return. Sadly, this is where Valerie’s journey ended after a year in the nursing home.
Now, in the wake of her passing, my family and I find ourselves asking for help. We want to give Valerie the a farewell she deserves, one that honors her incredible life and legacy. Unfortunately, the financial burden of medical bills and ongoing care left us unprepared for the costs of her burial.
I know times are tough for many, but if you feel moved by my mother’s story, I humbly ask for your support. Your contributions will go directly toward her burial expenses, allowing us to lay her to rest with the grace and peace she so richly earned.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for considering helping us honor my mother, Valerie Watson-Baxter—an extraordinary woman who gave so much to others in their time of need.
With gratitude,
Joseph Watson
Organizer
Joseph Watson
Organizer
Riverdale, GA