Irma Jeter

Irma ?Jean? Watson Jeter was born the youngest of seven children to Arnie and
Reverend Jesse Watson, Pastor Emeritus, Southern Baptist Church. When young,
Jean accepted Christ as her Savior and remained a devoted Christian strong and
firm in her faith. On Leap Day 2012, she was peacefully called home to be with
The Lord. Jeannie, as she was known by her siblings and close friends, was preceded
in death by her parents, Jessie and Arnie Watson; sisters, Trannie (Arthur),
Willa ?Sissy? (Charles), Pearl (Leonard) and Lorene ?Lo?; and brother-in-law,
Franklin Martin. She is survived by: her only brother, Oscar J. Watson (Glenna)
and sister, Lillie Martin; sister from another mother, Marva Johnson; honorary
sister-in-Christ, Barbara Busse; four daughters, Monica Jeter-Johnson (Kenneth),
Tracy Jeter, Angela Jeter and Ajia Bailey; six grandchildren, Rhulon Hart, Sh?ray
Norman, O?Shea Jeter, Shai?lance Gates, La?monye Worthen and Kennedy Johnson;
three great-grandchildren, Sierra Norman, Abdul McMullen and Keirah
Gates; and a host of nieces and nephews, close friends, church family and friends
who came to know her as Ms. Jeannie, Jean, Ms. Jean, Mama Jean, ?Little Red
Hen? (which she called herself) and later in life, Irma and Ms. Irma.
Jean grew up in Lincoln Heights which she respectfully called Zone 15. She
graduated from Hughes High School and became a home-base teacher in the
1970?s. She devoted her life to the development of children which led her to
become a family childcare provider. She remained self-employed until she was too
ill to continue. Whether she was providing childcare, or being a family member or
friend, she was always sharing part of herself with others. She was the port in a
storm standing steadfast, steady and strong. She was a foundation of love, giving
and loyalty. She was a whirlwind of opinion, direction and silence that spoke
volumes. She brought spontaneity to humor, sarcasm and wisdom. Those that
came in contact with her knew she was a child of God guided by faith and
instantly, drew near to her.
Jean had Baptist roots and spent many years under the wings of her father at
Southern Baptist Church. In the 1970?s, she became a member of Winton Hills
Community Presbyterian Church where she served as an Elder and choir member,
but was called upon to perform many tasks. Jean loved the Lord and family;
close friends and fellowshipping; singing and travel (she had a special fondness
for being a member of Unity Choir and visiting Ghost Ranch); growing and
nurturing plants and flowers; and, games of chance. Children always made her
smile and because she was so strong, no one quite knew what made her cry.