Deborah Watson

Deborah J. Watson 71, of Lauderdale passed into the arms of Jesus on February 20, 2025, surrounded by church friends after a sudden health problem. She was born March 20,1953 in Hibbing, MN.

She was a 1971 graduate of Hibbing High School and attended the U of Minnesota in Child Development and University of Northwestern in pastoral studies. She earned ministry certificates with Doug Stanton Ministries and Joan Hunter Ministries. She has been a lifelong advocate for those with any disabilities and a passionate advocate for the unborn. Each individual was important to Deb, and she would ask the name of every person who served her in any way and sought to give a smile and kind word to everyone. Deb prayed for and with, people around the world as part of her life’s ministry as a follower of Jesus Christ. She offered prayer counseling over the phone for Love Lines and for Billy Graham Ministries. She ministered through the Healing Rooms of St. Paul at the Redeeming Love Church location for many years.

She is preceded in death by her parents Kenneth Watson and Edith Kosola Watson of Hibbing, and a brother David Watson also of Hibbing. She is survived by a sister Priscilla Larson of Morro Bay, CA, sister Kathleen Watson of Santa Fe, NM as well as cousins and nieces and nephews including nephew David Watson of Side Lake, MN and nephew Dean Larson and his sons Ryan and Jason all of Pleasonton, CA and his son Austin of San Luis Obispo, CA.

Deborah was a founding member of Sojourn Campus Church in Minneapolis and beloved friend there for over 40 years. She was also a part of the Fraternity of Mary, Queen of Peace – part of the secular Franciscan Order in the Twin Cities. She poured out her heart to God in poetry and journals.

Her memorial service will be at Sojourn Campus Church 310 18th Ave SE Minneapolis, MN on March 30th, 2:30 visitation, 3:00pm service with meal to follow. Park in Lot 58 next to church for free validated parking for the event. Memorials may be made to the Unto Me fund (fund dedicated to helping people with food, shelter, and basic needs) at Sojourn Campus Church or to the charity of your choice.

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