Obituary

ROCKY MOUNT – Phyllis Needham Watson (Cookie), age 83, passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. Born in Sumter County, SC on March 29, 1943, she was the daughter of the late William Harrell Needham and Connie Hill Needham. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Kenneth Albert Watson (Ken); and her brother, Ralph Christopher Needham.

For more than 40 years, Cookie served others through her work in real estate, building relationships that reached far beyond her profession. She never met a stranger, and through her relationships with colleagues and clients, she became a pillar of the community, known for treating others with respect, kindness, and loving care. As dedicated as she was to her work, her family always held the deepest place in her heart. She loved horses and the Pamlico River, but above all, she loved the Lord Jesus Christ. Her faith was more than something she spoke about—it was the way she lived, reflected in her unconditional love and care for others. That love was especially evident in her devotion to her son, Ken II. Her final words to him were that she loved him, a tender expression of the love she had shown him throughout her life. Now resting in the glory of her Savior, Cookie leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, and love that Ken II can cherish forever.

Cookie is survived by her devoted son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth A. Watson II (Ken II) and Heather Lynn Watson; her grandchildren, Catherine Anne Watson (Catie) and Nathaniel Amory Watson; her sister-in-law, Susan Dixon; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends who were very special in her life.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Cookie’s life will be held on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 3:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services with Pastor Steve Roberson officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Cookie’s memory to MDS Foundation, PMB 118983, 228 Park Ave. S, New York, NY 10003-1502.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.