Cornelius Watson

Cornelius Watson, Sr., "Poppy" age 94, of Ewing Township, NJ, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend entered eternal rest on Friday, October 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving children. He was born on September 23, 1931, in Bloomingvale, Williamsburg County, South Carolina, to the late Norris and Rev. Millie Watson. He was predeceased by his wife, Millicent Ann Watson. He was the seventh of thirteen children. Cornelius grew up in Bloomingvale, SC and received his early education in the Bloomingvale Public School system.

After relocating north by way of Baltimore, MD, Cornelius made his home in Trenton, NJ. He began his career as a tile operator with American Bilt-Rite from 1958 to 1978 and later joined General Motors Corporation in 1978 as a die-cast operator, retiring after A.M.EB. Church for more than two decades, Cornelius was a man twenty years of service in 1998. A faithful member of Mount Zion of quiet faith, hard work, and steady devotion to family and community.

In 1952 he met the love of his life, Millicent Ann Brown; they married in 1956 and remained devoted to one another for more than 65 years. Cornelius had a lively spirit - he was a competitive bowler, always ready with a joke, and someone who took great pride in his appearance and his car. He cherished family gatherings, took pleasure in keeping his yard beautiful, and delighted in making others smile.

He is survived by his children Valerie Watson (Mel Canadv) of Forestville, MD, and Cornelius, Jr. "Jimmy" Watson (Charlene) of Philadelphia, PA; grandchildren Alexis (Alonzo) Cooke of La Plata, MD, Taylor Watson and Tori Watson of Philadelphia, PA; great-grandchildren Jaevyn Luciano, Jaxon Cooke, and Xandyr Luciano; brothers Raphel Watson of Ewing, NJ, Jerome Watson (Debra) of Victorville. CA. and Deles Watson of Lawrenceville, NJ: sister Mikel Hughes (Bishop Charles) of Long Island, NY sisters-in-law Sucecila Watson of Ewing, NJ, Katie Watson of Lawrenceville, NJ, Mary Yeaton of Boston, MA, Marita Locklear of Hyannis, MA, and Michelle Bryant (John) of Stone Mountain, GA: and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Cornelius was a man of generosity, humility, and humor. He loved his family fiercely and taught by example the importance of dignity, hard work, and pride in one's appearance. His memory and the lessons he passed on will continue to bless his children, grandchildren, and all who knew him.

Funeral service will be 12pm Monday, November 10, 2025 at Greater Mt. Zion AME Church, 34 Pennington Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618. Calling hour will be 11am until the time of service. Interment will be at Ewing Church Cemetery, Ewing, NJ.

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