Ja'Qulyn Lavoy Watson
April 16, 1943 - May 26, 2009
Obituary
Ja’Qulyn Lavoy Watson was born in 1943 in Dayton, Ohio. Soon after, her family moved to Seattle, Washington.
She was a grade school and lifelong friend of Jimmy Hendrix. She graduated from Garfield High School as an Honor Student and a member of the cheerleading squad. She was also a member of the University of Washington cheerleading squad while getting her degree in teaching from the UW.
It was evident, at an early age, that her talent and destiny was music. Her singing career included venues in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Vancouver. At one time, Lynn had her own radio and her own TV show in Vancouver, Canada.
12 years ago, she quietly moved to Mexico. Singing the occasional song or two at Jaltemba Bay restaurants, it was not long before the locals realized that they had a real professional in their midst. She was considered the most polished professional ever to hit The Bay: Ja’Qui!
Anyone who has ever attended a Jaltemba Bay fundraiser has undoubtedly been greatly entertained by Ja’Qui. When she has found talent, she has nurtured and encouraged and selflessly promoted people such as The Perez Brothers, Roberto and Mario.
She leaves to cherish her memories: Her partner, Sarah Walker, La Penita, Mexico; Her son John Shepard & Daughter-in law, Susie Shepard, Mill Creek, Washington; Son, James Shepard, Seattle, Washington; Two Sisters, Juel Holley, Medesto, California; Rosalind Johnson, Tacoma, Washington; Two Brothers, Loyal Cliff Brooks Jr., Seattle, Washington and Gregory Brooks, of Kent, Washington; Her Cambodian Brother and Sister, Vanna and Yun Kem, and children; Seven Grandchildren; and a Host of Nieces, Nephews, and other Relatives and Friends.
Mom,
Everything happened so fast. Too fast. I am still trying to figure out what I did or didn’t do to help you and to show you how much I loved you. Did I give you enough hugs? Did I make our time special and memorable. I lost a lot of years with you when you moved to Mexico and that used to hurt. What I realized is you had to make a life that you could be proud of and that is what you did.
I love you and miss you so much. I haven’t had the good cry yet and it makes me feel like I have something stored up inside, but I think it is just you in my heart letting me know that it’s ok. I will always think of you and our time together while stuck in Mexico with no passport. I will remember that week forever.
son
It is amazing how one person can affect so many and Ja’Qui will be missed for a long time by so many. As she looks down on us and knows how much she meant to all of us, may she rest in peace knowing she was and continues to be loved.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and to Sarah.
God’s blessings to the family and strength for today. Love in Christ, your brother, Carlos Bryant.
James and Family, just wanted you to know, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Always think of happy times, it will make you smile! Marilyn Fudge- Fleets and Facilities-City Hall
My Ja’Qui
You are in my heart FOREVER. I hear you singing in the soft breeze, I see you in the sunset and in time we will laugh again together. Till then, my love.
Sarah
Lynn was my sisters stepmom. The times that I was around her she always was really nice, and treated me like part of the family. She was a special person. Rest In Paradise Lynn!
Lynn
When we sang together, you had an intensity about you. The Driftwood Singers experience was a whirlwind of sharing stages with the likes of Bill Cosby, Carmen McRae, Sarah Vaughan and Louie Armstrong. You inspired me to bring that intensity to every performance. I still do and I hear you singing with me. You are singing with the best band ever. Save a place for me. I’ll be along by and by.
“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, “I used everything you gave me”.
-Erma Bombeck
Thanks for giving all you got!
-Jason Kim and Family
Ja’Qui,
Never shall we forget time shared with you.
May there always be an Angel by your side, a song to sing or a puppy to hold.
We were very fortunate to have Ja’qui in our midst. We have fond memories of her, especially singing and dancing. I always appreciated her encouragement. We will miss her…
dear james and family
you have my deepest symphany may
god comfort you and your family at
this time. and we will keep you in
our prayers.
love always
uncle stevie and aunt nina and
dajour from little washington pa
Jaqui’ Girl ! Keep on rolling your music with the angels and singing high-so we can hear you from down here! I won’t be able to hear Bobby MacGee without thinking of you, you always sang it for me and no one did it like you ! I am glad I could share that wonderful night of fireworks, the music and the sunset over the ocean that last time you and Sarah came to visit me.
I will miss you and promise to look after Sarah for you don’t I always? My thoughts go to all of your wonderful family and your son John and his family
Ja’Qui,
Oh, how Ja’Qui will be missed in the Jaltemba Bay community!! Her gorgeous smile and beautiful laugh, her sparkling happy eyes, her generous and open heart toward everyone, and of course, her singing, will all be remembered for many years to come. Ja’Qui loved and trusted people and she always had such amazing faith that people could and would only do good. That was the magic that was Ja’Qui.
When I first met Ja’Qui about 5 years ago, I wondered who she was and didn’t understand until later, the power of the Spirit that was Ja’Qui ! Then I met her son, John, and saw again the beauty of the spiritual essence that Ja’Qui passed on.
I miss you Ja’Q but I know that you are jamming with your friends and that you will be looking out for all of us. My deepest condolences to John, James, Sarah and other members of the family.
I will miss that dazzling smile that breaks in impromptu song. I will miss your sense of wonder and your sense of humor. I will miss your extraordinary gentleness and your remarkable strength. I will miss your kindness and generosity and optimism and unshakeable faith.
Dear Ja’Qui, I will miss you.
Rest in peace.
I will miss that brilliant smile that so often broke in impromptu songs. I will miss your sense of wonder and your sense of humor. I will miss your extraordinary gentleness and your remarkable strength. I will miss your optimism and generosity and kindness and unshakeable faith.
Dear Ja’Qui, I will miss you.
Rest in Peace.
Deepest heartfelt condolences to Sarah and your family.
Ja’Qui was an angel on earth and is now an angel in heaven. I remember her teaching English when we first met–what a wonderful, happy, smiling soul. Mum and I will really miss not seeing her in Mexico, it just won’t be the same. Our love to her family and Sarah. Valerie & Betty
Your life and spirit will be celebrated every year when we meet at the magical Jaltemba Bay of Nayarit. Look over us…..forever in our hearts
I am so sorry I couldn’t be there. I will be wearing Yellow on Saturday and will be saying a prayer. She will be so missed by everyone. I bet she is entertaining the angels now. They are very lucky to have her up there with them and will probably start a heavenly choir. One day we will hear it.
Ja’Qui was a great friend and entertainer in our community and will be sadly missed by Lin and I. Her partner Sarah was her biggest fan with cheering and whistling at Ja’Qui’s performances. We loved her dearly.
We met Ja’Qui 5 years ago in Rincon de Guyabitos, Mexico when she was entertaining at Vista Guayabitos. What a fantastic lady!!! Our hearts go out to Sarah and all Ja’Qui’s family.
Bill was in the “Time Bandit’s” band with JaQulyn in La Penita. She was one of our best friends, when we lived there. She will be missed.
We will miss your sweet smile. Thank you for all the joy you brought to us. We send big hugs to Sarah and Ja’Qui’s family.
Always cherish your friends since they are too soon gone and greatly missed, Ja’Que brought smiles and happiness to many and will be remembered for those moments.
Ja’Qui was a shining star in so many ways…through her singing, her devotion to volunteer work, her friendships, and her love of animals….just to name a few. Her shining light will continue to glow in our hearts.
When I look up into the sky and see all those brillant stars, I know she is there…a singing “The Rose”.
How she will be missed! My deepest sympathies to Sarah, James and John, along with all of Ja’Qui’s family.
Ja,Qui was an important member of our Jaltemba Bay community. Her presence will certainly be missed. All our love to Sarah & Ja,Qui’s family.
From this wonderful bay on blazing sunset days, while we sit waiting for the green flash, our island floating on the calm sea, we will remember you, and now you’ll live in our hearts.
Our hearts and prayers are with you and all of your loved ones at this time. Hold dear to the memories….they are the treasures of a lifetime.
From what I read-Ms. Watson sounds like she was an amazing woman-beautiful and talented inside and out… from My Family to those who touched her heart-our condolences…
Brandy and Christian
Dearest Family………..we were deeply saddened to learn that our Dear Cousin Ja’Qui passed away. Please know that now she vibrates to a different measure behind a veil that we cannot see through. We know that you all will miss her with all of her human frailties, but she is completely renewed and watches over you and waits for you.
When you miss her the most, just call her name and she will always be right there in your hearts.
We wish we could have seen her one more time, but had an opportunity to speak with her a few months ago – her mood was uplifting and refreshing in spite of her terminal illness. We kept watch with our prayers for her care and comfort and will always treasure the time we spent with her in 2005.
Be blessed and know that BEAMS of Heaven are how she goes!
With love and continued prayers
Dick and Family
Ja’Qulyn was my sister-in-law. We would always have a great time when I came to Seattle. She will be greatly missed. Remember, she will always be in your heart. You will be in our prayers.
You will be missed.
I am grateful for the chance I had to get to know Ja’Qui. She was a strong loving spiritual woman. I am sure she will be missed.
Ja’Qulyn was a kind and giving person who was my sister-in-law years ago. Ja’Qulyn you were the backbone of your niece, Ulta’s wedding last year in Mexico and it was a pleasure to be with you again for such a happy occasion. You will be truly missed.
Our condolences to Sarah, John and James. She is watching over you from above.
Jaltemba Bay will always ring with the memories of her beautiful voice. Her loving spirit will always be with us!
Auntie Jaqui, i’m at a loss for words but i know your smiling down on us, i miss you so much but i know your in a great place right now. Please, guide me and look out for me in everything i do. I love you so much auntie!
I have a vision of Ja’Qui. She’s tracked Jimmy Hendrix down by now and they are jammin’ in heaven!! He’s on his awesome guitar and she’s singing her heart out. I miss you, Ja’Qui. I’ll always keep this vision close to my heart.
Ja’Qui,
Thank you for all the wonderful times that we shared with you in Jaltemba Bay. We will truly miss hearing your terrific singing and seeing your smiling face when we head south next January. You will always be in our memories, especially in sunny Mexico, that you loved so much.
To all of Ja’qui’s family and friends we offer our heartfelt sympathy.
Roberta & Dale Funkhouser
We were in Varo’s the first night JaQui came in with her friends. Her sister-in-law talked her into singing. It was MAGIC for us. But that was just the beginning of the joy and love we shared with this amazing soul. How lucky we are to have had her in our lives. We will miss her more than words can say but we will never forget her. Our deepest condolences to JaQui’s family and beautiful Sarah.
we all loved jaqui …. she was a grand addition to our little village here in mexico.. she was a very honest and sensitive person… loved to laugh and have fun and was always herself…. never trying to be something she was not…i will miss her very much…..we all will…….
Lynn was married to my brother Tom and they had two wonderful sons. I am so pleased that I was able to talk with her a couple weeks ago and share some momories of our children and grandchildren. She is missed by all friends and family. I know she is singing with the Angels now. Ann
Auntie Lynn You will always be a beautiful person that I hold dear in my heart, You were so kind and always reminded me that all people are beautiful if you just look. I hope that you are looking down on your friends and family and smiling because your smile is beautiful.
My condolences to family and friends. Lynn was a neighbor and I sometimes babysat her 2 boys Jamie and John when they were very small. To Jamie & John a mother never dies as long as she is in your heart. God Bless,
“Oh Honey, You, Are my shining star, Yes you are,”
Ja’Qui was one of the very special people in La Penita. Her smiling face and huge personality will be missed by all. My condolences to Sara and all Ja’Qui’s family.
With many fond memories,
Stella Britton
Ja’Qui and I share the same birthday and found we shared many of the same likes and dislikes. I met her in Mexico when she 1st arrived and liked her immediately. She will be missed, but I wouldn’t have given up the opportunity to share in a small part of her life.
I love you mom and I know yiur looking down on me from heaven