Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Blue Raiders lose beloved former employee
12/29/2020 12:30:00 PM | General
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Blue Raider Nation lost one of its truest fans when retired athletics department employee Linda Watson, 72, passed away following her battle against COVID-19.
Watson served Middle Tennessee supporters in her role as an assistant in the Blue Raider Athletic Association for several years and was regarded as a shining light within the department.
"It is impossible to sum up in a couple of sentences the impact that Linda Watson had on our organization and every individual she came into contact with," said Director of Athletics Chris Massaro. "She was magical in her ability to make everyone feel special. She loved everyone and it showed in her work and in her relationships and I know the Blue Raiders loved her back. We can all use the lessons she taught us all to be more loving and understanding of people and their situations.
"She was truly special and it is heartbreaking that she has passed away from COVID-19. Her legacy will still live long in our building and to all those that knew her and loved her. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to Gayland and all of her family. I know her family and friends will continue to be showered by the love we all had for her and comforted by her unwavering faith."
Visitation for Watson will be Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Roselawn Funeral Home, with a Celebration of Life to follow at 1 p.m. Seating for the Celebration of Life will be limited to immediate and extended family due to gathering size restrictions. It will be available via live stream on the Roselawn Funeral Home Facebook page (Roselawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens – Murfreesboro.
Watson attended Kittrell High School and Middle Tennessee State University. One of her greatest passions was her artwork, specifically her paintings of angels; however, one of her grandest attributes was looking out for others.
Former BRAA Executive Director Alan Farley worked with Watson for a number of years and recalls the way she cared for Middle Tennessee student workers.
"Linda managed our student workers during football and basketball seasons," Farley said. "One of my fondest memories of Linda was she always made sure our student workers always had food that was left over from an event to take home instead of being thrown out. She would say, 'College kids are always hungry and need to eat to do well in class.' She was always looking out for everyone she crossed paths with."
Watson was a giving person who always put others first, Farley said.
"Linda was full of energy and gave so much of herself to Blue Raider Athletics," Farley said. "Linda cared about our donors and they cared so much about her in return. We stayed in contact after we both left MTSU. I will miss her greatly. She was a special lady."
Former BRAA Executive Director Bill Lansden said Watson went out of her way to make sure his family had a smooth transition when he joined the department.
"I hated to hear of the passing of Linda," Lansden said. "She was such a genuine warm person who everyone loved. She was the epitome of a true Blue Raider fan: passionate, hardworking, loyal and always willing to provide help when needed. I will forever be indebted to her for the support she showed me and my family."
Watson is survived by her husband of 53 years, Gayland Watson; daughter, Delaca Watson (Genetta); son, Ryan Watson; sister, Pat Smith (Virgel); grandchildren, Brent (Liz), Nathan (Abby) and Maddie Jones; Kyle Moore and Mackenzie Bray; great grandchildren, Wade and Maci Bray; nephew, Trey Smith; and countless extended family and friends she considered family.
Watson served Middle Tennessee supporters in her role as an assistant in the Blue Raider Athletic Association for several years and was regarded as a shining light within the department.
"It is impossible to sum up in a couple of sentences the impact that Linda Watson had on our organization and every individual she came into contact with," said Director of Athletics Chris Massaro. "She was magical in her ability to make everyone feel special. She loved everyone and it showed in her work and in her relationships and I know the Blue Raiders loved her back. We can all use the lessons she taught us all to be more loving and understanding of people and their situations.
"She was truly special and it is heartbreaking that she has passed away from COVID-19. Her legacy will still live long in our building and to all those that knew her and loved her. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to Gayland and all of her family. I know her family and friends will continue to be showered by the love we all had for her and comforted by her unwavering faith."
Visitation for Watson will be Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Roselawn Funeral Home, with a Celebration of Life to follow at 1 p.m. Seating for the Celebration of Life will be limited to immediate and extended family due to gathering size restrictions. It will be available via live stream on the Roselawn Funeral Home Facebook page (Roselawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens – Murfreesboro.
Watson attended Kittrell High School and Middle Tennessee State University. One of her greatest passions was her artwork, specifically her paintings of angels; however, one of her grandest attributes was looking out for others.
Former BRAA Executive Director Alan Farley worked with Watson for a number of years and recalls the way she cared for Middle Tennessee student workers.
"Linda managed our student workers during football and basketball seasons," Farley said. "One of my fondest memories of Linda was she always made sure our student workers always had food that was left over from an event to take home instead of being thrown out. She would say, 'College kids are always hungry and need to eat to do well in class.' She was always looking out for everyone she crossed paths with."
Watson was a giving person who always put others first, Farley said.
"Linda was full of energy and gave so much of herself to Blue Raider Athletics," Farley said. "Linda cared about our donors and they cared so much about her in return. We stayed in contact after we both left MTSU. I will miss her greatly. She was a special lady."
Former BRAA Executive Director Bill Lansden said Watson went out of her way to make sure his family had a smooth transition when he joined the department.
"I hated to hear of the passing of Linda," Lansden said. "She was such a genuine warm person who everyone loved. She was the epitome of a true Blue Raider fan: passionate, hardworking, loyal and always willing to provide help when needed. I will forever be indebted to her for the support she showed me and my family."
Watson is survived by her husband of 53 years, Gayland Watson; daughter, Delaca Watson (Genetta); son, Ryan Watson; sister, Pat Smith (Virgel); grandchildren, Brent (Liz), Nathan (Abby) and Maddie Jones; Kyle Moore and Mackenzie Bray; great grandchildren, Wade and Maci Bray; nephew, Trey Smith; and countless extended family and friends she considered family.
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