Dear SEACAA Board of Directors,

I’m writing with deep sadness to share that Ms. E. Marie Watson, Executive Director of Johnston-Lee-Harnett Community Action, Inc. and longtime SEACAA Board member, has passed away. If you have not already heard, this is a tremendous loss for our network, the state of North Carolina, and the Community Action network as a whole.

Ms. Marie, as she was so lovingly known, was a fierce advocate and one of the most passionate, respected, and enduring voices in our Region IV family. Despite facing significant health challenges, her dedication to this work and to her agency never wavered. Her presence and wisdom guided many of our conversations, and her absence will be felt deeply, but her legacy will surely continue to lead us.

We are in communication with the North Carolina Community Action Association (NCCAA) regarding arrangements and how SEACAA can best honor her memory on behalf of the Board. The final services will be provided by:

Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services
302 S. Brightleaf Blvd.
Smithfield, NC 27577
Phone: (919) 934-6661
Email: waltersandersfh@aol.com
Website: Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services

At the request of the family, monetary donations may be made in lieu of flowers to:

Johnston-Lee-Harnett Community Action Fund
P.O. Drawer 711
Smithfield, NC 27577

Checks should be made payable to JLHCA, Inc. with “E. Marie Watson” in the memo line.

We will continue to coordinate with NCCAA and share any additional information as it becomes available. Thank you for keeping Ms. Marie’s family, the JLHCA team, NCCAA, and the communities she served in your thoughts and prayers.

With heartfelt sympathy,