TRIBUTES are pouring in after Dr Crystal Marchelle Watson (57) passed away at her home on Sunday.
She battled cancer for the past two years.
She was the former director of MTR Smit Children’s home and was respected for the work she did to protect and care for vulnerable children.
She was also well-known for the award-winning air shows, she and her committee held to raise funds for the MTR Smit Children’s Home. As part of her community work, she was also a columnist for Port Elizabeth Express and wrote columns for the Child Matters column for many years.
Crystal, who received her doctorate in social work from the Nelson Mandela University, was a former Framesby High School learner.
She and her four brothers were orphaned at a young age and were raised by their grandparents. She studied social work and throughout her career worked tirelessly to protect and care for children.
Her youngest son, Storm Watson, announced her passing on Facebook on Sunday. In his tribute to his mother he described her as an amazing person who had touched many hearts. “She was a mother to many and a friend to everyone; she always saw the good in every situation, fought a good fight and loved unconditionally.
“She will be missed by everyone who knew her. As a family we ask for time to grieve the passing of the most important person in our lives and thank everyone for their messages of condolence. We shall remember Crystal as the wonderful and amazing person we all knew to love,” said Storm.
Her long-time friend and neighbour, Gail Brown, said in her tribute on Facebook that Crystal was her inspiration and mentor in many ways. “You only had love and compassion to share with so many people. You were a warrior and fought hard till the end. You touched so many people’s hearts,” said Gail.
EP Media regional editor, Bettie Giliomee-Rossouw, said she met Crystal about 16 years ago, when she started working at PE Express. “In this time, Crystal became a close friend of mine. I will remember her for her faith, her positive outlook on life, her fighting spirit and always putting other people first,” said Bettie.
“I was privileged to celebrate her last birthday with her and a group of family and friends on February 1, this year. Even on her special day, she made sure that everyone in the room was taken care of.
“She had words of thanks for everyone in the room and singled out everyone with a special message. While she was in a tough battle fighting cancer, she held on steadfastly to her faith, and kept on inspiring those around her with her positive outlook on life.
“Crystal not only leaves behind a beautiful legacy to her children, but to the hundreds of children she was a mother to in the more than three decades she worked as social worker and later director of MTR Smit,” said Bettie.
She leaves behind two sons, Cingean and Storm Watson, a daughter Chanel Flanagan and her beloved grandson, Conrad.
