Vontialear Janet (Rogers) Watson

Mrs. Vontialear Janet (Rogers) Watson, 61 of Sanford, North Carolina, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at her residence. 

Vontialear Watson found her peace on Sunday, November 5, 2023. She was 61 years old.

Born in Shelbyville, Kentucky, Ms. Watson lived in Sanford, North Carolina, where she raised her three children, Shavonda Smith, Melvin Smith, and Marlin Smith. She was also a proud grandmother to Aliyah Chalmers, Dennis Simmons, Anthony Smith, Ta’vairous Smith, and Royal Smith. She loved and provided for all her grandchildren, but her bonds with Anthony and Aliyah were special. Anthony adored her and never left her side when he visited for summer vacations. Aliyah is her only granddaughter and the oldest of the five.

In addition to being a mother and grandmother, Ms. Watson enjoyed a 25+ year career as a certified nursing assistant. She was a passionate and exceptional caregiver. She worked in nursing homes, hospices, rehabilitation facilities, and any other place disabled and elderly people needed care. She excelled at her job because she had a profound ability to love people during their most challenging times. She was also a passionate mentor who encouraged her younger colleagues to be better caregivers.

However, Ms. Watson’s shining moment as a caregiver might be when she uplifted, encouraged, and supported her son, Melvin after he was shot and paralyzed weeks after his eighteenth birthday. It was because of her support he was able to earn a college education and live independently with a disability.

Ms. Watson will be remembered as a strong-willed woman who lived her life on her terms. She stole the show when she walked into a room and never apologized for it. “She believed in herself because she believed in God.” She was beautiful. She was loved. She will never be forgotten.

Ms. Watson is survived by her mother, Mary Stroud; her sister, Fredricka Sutherland; her daughter, Shavonda Smith; her sons, Melvin Smith and Marlin Smith; her granddaughter, Aliyah Chalmers; her grandsons, Dennis Simmons Jr., Anthony Smith, Ta’vairous Smith and Royal Smith, her great-granddaughter, Nyla Lofton; her niece, Vonshiricka Sutherland; her nephew, Frank Sutherland Jr; her great nieces, Tyra Sutherland and Angel Fleming; and her brother-in-law, Frank Sutherland Sr. (brother-in-law).

Please keep the family and friends of Mrs. Vontialear Janet (Rogers) Watson in your thoughts and prayers. 

Arrangements are entrusted to McLeod Funeral Home of Sanford, North Carolina.

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