Amanda Self Watson's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Amanda Self Watson A faithful servant of Christ, cherished wife, beloved mother, devoted daughter, fierce fighter, and dear friend.
With hearts full of sorrow yet anchored in the hope of Christ, we announce that Amanda Self Watson was called home to her eternal rest on June 23, 2025, at the age of 39.
Born on August 29, 1985, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Amanda lived a life marked by grace, compassion, and unwavering faith. From a young age, she dreamed of becoming a wife and mother—a sacred calling she fulfilled with unmatched devotion and joy. Her love story with her husband, Jim Watson, was a beautiful testament to God’s design, and together they built a home filled with laughter, love, and prayer. She was the proud and adoring mother to her two precious sons, Judson (3) and John-William (2), who were her greatest joy and most cherished blessings.
Amanda faced life with fierce determination and a heart rooted deeply in her faith. Nowhere was that more evident than in the last two years of her life, as she battled cancer with extraordinary strength, grace, and unshakable hope. She was a warrior in every sense of the word—undaunted by adversity, uplifted by her trust in God, and surrounded by a community who witnessed her unwavering spirit. Her resilience was a living testimony to her love for her family and her Savior.
She was a proud graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), where she formed lifelong friendships and was a devoted member of Sigma Kappa. The values of sisterhood, faith, and service remained at the heart of all she did.
Her spiritual life flourished within the loving fellowship of First Baptist Church of Kannapolis. The church was not only her place of worship, but her extended family—offering her constant support, prayer, and love through every season. Amanda served with joy, and her presence was a source of warmth and encouragement to all who knew her.
Amanda is survived by her devoted husband, Jim; her two beloved sons, Judson and John-William; her loving mother, Debra Self; and her father, Bruce Self. She is also survived by her cherished in-laws, Mary Nell and James Watson, who supported her with deep affection. Amanda is lovingly remembered by many extended family members, dear friends, sorority sisters, and church family. She was preceded in death by her brother, Howard “Howie” Self, whose memory she carried with deep love.
The family will receive friends at a visitation on Sunday, June 29, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Lady’s Funeral Home (268 N Cannon Blvd. Kannapolis, NC 28083). A celebration of Amanda’s life and faith will be held on Monday, June 30, at First Baptist Church of Kannapolis (101 N Main Street Kannapolis, NC 28081) from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a graveside service at 2:00 p.m. at Forest Lawn West (4601 Freedom Drive Charlotte, NC 28208).
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to a fund established to support Amanda’s young children, Judson and John-William, as they navigate their future without their beloved mother. Contributions can be made to @JudsonJWWatsonBros via PayPal to help provide for their education and well-being.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23
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