Linda Watson

Linda Waller Watson

July 20, 1942 - January 1, 2026

Linda Waller Watson, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend known affectionately to her family as "Lele," passed away on January 1, 2026 in Cleveland, Tennessee following a brief illness. She was 83 years old.

Born and raised in Cleveland, Linda was the daughter of the late Clarence Lee Waller and Margaret Louise Keyes Waller. She was a 1960 graduate of Bradley Central High School. A woman of enduring faith, Linda was baptized in September 1953 and was a member of First Baptist Church of Cleveland.

On May 11, 1962, Linda married her sweetheart, John Lynn Watson. Their early life together included a memorable chapter in Europe; John was stationed with the U.S. Army at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Brussels, Belgium. John left for his assignment in June 1967, and Linda joined him that October, living in Brussels until their return to the United States in August 1969. Before moving to Brussels and during her time there, Linda worked for the Olin Corporation.

Upon their return, Linda was instrumental in the success of the family business, Watson's Supermarkets, founded by John and his brothers. She eventually ran the deli and bakery at Watson's Tip Top Food Town, where she became renowned for her "Linda's Chunky Chicken Salad."

Linda was a constant source of love and care for her family. She and John raised two children, Tara and Steen, who had a wonderful mother and fondly recall a childhood rich with fun, punctuated by memorable times spent at Parksville Lake and the beach. Her unwavering belief in her children instilled in them the confidence to pursue their education, interests, and ultimately, to establish their own families.

When the supermarkets were sold in 2002, Linda and John transitioned into a vibrant retirement. They enjoyed seven wonderful years together before John's passing in 2009. During this season, they built a home on the Tennessee River that became a hub for hosting friends and their growing family. They embraced life fully-growing grapes and making wine with dear friends, traveling across the United States in their camper van to explore National Parks and many other interesting places throughout the country, and welcoming the first four of their six grandchildren to the world.

Linda was a woman of steady loyalty and diverse interests. For over 40 years, she met with her bridge club every other week, and she was a member of the UdderBulls investment club. In later years she found great enjoyment meeting with the ladies of her book club. She was also a gifted cook who showed her love and care for people through food, finding great joy in preparing meals and treats for those she held dear. Linda, a devoted dog lover throughout her life, had a Pekingese named Brandy during her time in Belgium. Upon returning to the United States, she entered Brandy in dog shows. In her later years, her constant companion was her white labradoodle, Sugar.

Linda was preceded in death by her husband, John Lynn Watson; her brother, Jimmie Lee Waller; and her son-in-law, Matthew Harrison Brown.

She is survived by her daughter, Tara Watson Brown of Cleveland; her son, John Steen Watson, and his wife, Courtney Oishi Watson, of Chattanooga; and her six grandchildren who adored their "Lele": Grover Harrison Brown, Watson Benjamin Brown, Matthew Ash Brown, John Bennett Watson, Waller Oishi Watson, and Tate Genevieve Watson.

Linda's family will receive friends from 10am until 12pm on Wednesday January 7, 2026 at the "Ridge" Chapel of Companion Funeral Home located at 2412 Georgetown Road NW, Cleveland, TN 37311. The funeral will follow the visitation at 12pm. Linda will be laid to rest next to John at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations made to The Community Foundation of the Ocoee Region. The link to make a donation is https://cfocoeeregion.com/home/in-memory-linda-watson/

You are invited to share a personal memory of Linda or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral & Cremation Service is honored to assist the Watson family with these arrangements.