Michael L Watson

Michael Le’Roi Watson was born on February 7th 1952 to Gloria Jean Robinson in Great Lakes, IL. He was the middle child of three, oldest son, Kenneth and youngest son, Charles. Growing up with a single parent in the projects of Chicago, Michael was proud of the many challenges he overcame. He found joy visiting his grandparents, Zettie & Marcellus at his beloved 701.
He was a graduate of Mount Carmel High school and enlisted into the United States Navy in 1971 where he served proudly as a Hospital Corpsman. Due to early health challenges, he was honorably discharged in 1976 and spent the bulk of his career thereafter in the housing industry, striving to leave people and places better than he found them. He also authored a book titled A Glimpse into the Inner Workings of My God and opened two restaurants. Upon retiring, he continued with his mission to help others and created Veterans Empowerment Workforce, providing employment and assistance for our country’s Veterans. During his lifetime, he valiantly fought many health challenges and always maintained a fierce fighting spirit.
Those left to cherish his memory are his adoring wife, Sharen, his beloved children Akel, Michael, Branden, Damien, JenaShay, Le’Shandon, DeVerese, Raquel and his favorite four legged baby, Ian. Grandchildren Nicholas, Michael Jr., Anthony, Marcellus, Kenyon, Leah, Amari, MaCayla, Landon, Deacon and Maylani. One great grandchild, Nevaeh. Loving brother, Charles and his wife Noel. Honorary mother, Mary Thompson. Loving cousins, Dawn, Robin, and Monica. A host of honorary children and grandchildren that he loved as his own along with many friends, colleagues and neighbors whom he cherished.
Michael L. Watson Sr. transitioned peacefully on Monday, January 17, 2022. He believed that “life after death is as good as life gets”!
A visitation will be held for Michael on Sunday, January 23, 2022 at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 102 E. Francis Road New Lenox, IL from 1pm until 4pm.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to one of the charities he loved and supported (St. Jude and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society).