Rita Mae Eanes Watson
Rita Mae Eanes Watson, 70, of Martinsville, Virginia, transitioned to her heavenly home January 22, 2026, at her home. She was born in Martinsville, Virginia, March 5, 1955, to the late Mary Lee Strait Eanes and Justus “Pete” Dossie Eanes.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Estelle Eanes Meadows and Yvonne “Bonnie” Weitz (Skip).
After graduating from Drewry Mason High School, Class of 1973, Rita entered the workforce in the furniture industry. She most recently worked seven years as a Lumber Materials Coordinator at American Furniture.
Rita was a woman of strong Christian faith and a member of Fort Trial Baptist Church in Bassett, Virginia, where she loved to lift her voice in song. Two of her favorite hymns were His Eye is on the Sparrow and I’m Going Over, songs which testified of God’s faithfulness both in this life and throughout eternity. Her family will always remember her deep love for them and for the fierce tenacity and strength she displayed through two battles with cancer, living with the challenges of Multiple Sclerosis, and dependence on a wheelchair. She was often described as a “spitfire,” and her contagious joy brightened every room she entered. Her legacy of faith and love will forever be imprinted on the hearts of all those who were blessed to know her.
She is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, James Edward Watson; daughters, Holly Yvonne Hodges Johnson (Christopher), Angela Dawn Watson; brother, Gerald Andrew Frye (Theresa); sister-in-law, Terrie Lynn Blankenship (Mark); brother-in-law, Barry Dean Watson; grandchildren, Nathan Johnson (Caitlyn), Adam Johnson (Haley), Nathaniel Gusler, Brooke Watson; great-grandchildren, Franklin Johnson, and one yet to be born.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Fort Trial Baptist Church with Pastor Tony Beach officiating. A Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers please make donations in loving memory of Rita Mae Eanes Watson to Fort Trial Baptist Church, 170 Oak Level Rd, Stanleytown, VA 24168.
Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.wrightfuneralservices.net.
