Executive Board
Heather Lennon, President
Joan Richards, Secretary
Linnea Lakin Servey, Treasurer
Ann Fuller, Director
IN MEMORIAM – Imogene “Jean” (Wilson) Watson 1935 – 2024
Imogene “Jean” (Wilson) Watson, 89, passed peacefully at home on Friday, November 15, 2024. She is survived by her beloved husband of 55 years, James Everett Watson, Jr.; her children and their spouses, Alan D. Sliwa, Sandra & Barry Watson, Nancy & Richard Pacella, Jr.; grandchildren: Bobbie Jo Stanley & husband Alan, Mitchell Fox, Amanda Watson, Alex Watson, Amelia Sliwa, Alana Sliwa, Tyler Watson & wife Morgan, Isabelle, Sophia, Adriana, and Rocco Pacella. She leaves her brother, Ronald Wilson & wife Billie; sister-in-law Kay Wilson; generations of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. She is pre-deceased by two children, Georgia Sliwa, and George “Joey” Sliwa, Jr.; her brother, Jackie “Aaron” Wilson; and three step-sons, Robert, Jimmy, and Scott Watson.
Jean was born in Ashburn, Georgia, daughter of the late Edison and Nancy (Culpepper) Wilson. She graduated from the Sycamore High School, as a standout student athlete and member of the varsity basketball team. In addition to raising her family, she completed studies at Worcester State College, and spent her professional career working as a bookkeeper alongside her husband in their family business, James E. Watson Funeral Home in Clinton, until retiring. A woman of great faith, Jean was a devout member of the former Evangelical Congregational Church in Lancaster, where she served on the Executive Board as Church Secretary and as a member of the Church Choir. Actively involved in her community, Mrs. Watson was a member and patron of numerous organizations in Lancaster and Clinton, notably, Friends of the Lancaster Library, Garden Club, Historical Society, Historical Commission, and Current Topics Club.
In addition, she held membership with Daughters of the American Revolution, National Society of United States Daughters of 1812, National Colonial Dames of America, United Daughters of the Confederacy, GA, and National Rifle Association. With a lifelong passion for research and genealogy, Jean proudly authored and produced books on the histories of the Wilson and Sliwa families, The Evangelical Congregational Church of Lancaster, Lancaster Current Topics Club, and the James E. Watson Funeral Home.
Above all, she was a proud family matriarch, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 5 until 7PM in the Philbin-Comeau Funeral Home, 176 Water St., Clinton. Funeral Services and burial will later be held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Ashburn, Georgia, under the direction of the Perry Funeral Home, Ashburn, Georgia. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Imogene Watson to: Veterans, Inc., 69 Grove St., Worcester, MA 01604. Online condolences may be placed at www.philbincomeaufh.com
IN MEMORIAM – JAY MOODY 1941-2024
The Lancaster Historical Society (LHS) has been deeply saddened by the sudden death of Executive Board Member Jay Moody on January 19, 2024. As a longtime Lancaster resident, Jay proved to be a strong advocate for many historic projects sponsored and accomplished by the LHS. And, he provided many important connections to sources for the promotion of regional history.
As a member of the Boxborough Minutemen, Jay participated in their Color Guard at the unveiling of a Revolutionary War Monument held at Lancaster’s Middle Cemetery on Veterans Day in 2018. His dedication to the concept of “Saving the Best to Last” for Lancaster citizens was generous. The experience he gained through the operation of his own HVAC business provided important insight regarding the installation of a new heating system in the former Lancaster High School Building now known as the Prescott Building. Further, Jay’s spirit and willingness to challenge the inexperience of others in the interest of open and fair-minded dialogue was a valued asset on all Boards and Committees where he served and participated in Lancaster through the decades.
We last saw Jay at our December 27, 2023 Executive Board Meeting, and, though shocked by his untimely death, he leaves us thankful for the positive example he set and for all he helped accomplish for the LHS and the Town. Rest in peace Jay.
Special Project Volunteers
Martha Moore, Hosmer Puppet Rehabilitation
Marcia Jakubowicz, Hosmer Dollhouse Rehabilitation
Timothy Kenny, Webmaster