Frances Hardin Watt

December 31, 2020

CHARLOTTE – Frances Hardin Watt died peacefully, surrounded by love on Thursday, December 31, 2020 at the Stewart Health Center at The Cypress of Charlotte.

Frances, often referred to as Fran, Gran Fran and Frannie, was born on January 4, 1947 in Gadsden, Alabama to the late William and Mildred Hardin. She attended the University of Alabama as well as Rutgers University where she studied history, political science, and journalism. Fran was married to her husband of over 45 years, William George Watt. Together, they enjoyed traveling, lifelong friendships, sporting events, the Charlotte Catholic community and a love for dogs.

A member of The Daughters of the American Revolution, Fran enjoyed U.S. History and reading just about anything she could get her hands on. Fran was a successful realtor with Allen Tate Realty and had a love for life, spreading so much laughter and joy wherever she went. Fran’s many loves included being a generous host for family and friends at their Sea Pines home in Hilton Head, SC while watching her Boykin spaniels enjoy the salt water and sand. She was a lover of sports, bleeding Carolina Blue, while also shouting for her Alabama Crimson Tide. Fran could be found on Sundays cheering on her Carolina Panthers from the stands. Her family and friends will remember Fran for her quick wit, sense of humor and her unique collection of decorative frogs. She was very active in her faith and was forever grateful for the community and lifelong friendships her church provided for their family.

Fran is survived by her husband William “Bill” Watt of Charlotte; stepchildren, Michael Watt and his wife, Cheryl of Arizona, Christopher Watt and is wife, Shannon of California and Teresa Rose and her husband, Jim of California; grandchildren, Zachary, Casey, Hunter, Jamie, Ryan and Nicole. She is also survived by her brother, William Henderson Hardin of Newnan, GA as well as beloved nieces and nephews. Their beloved daughter and light of Fran’s life, Sabrina Georgette Watt, preceded Fran in death on June 22, 2014 after a long battle with cancer.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:30 PM on Friday, January 8, 2021 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte, NC 28210. The family will receive friends thirty minutes prior to the service at the church. COVID protocols will be followed at the church.  The service will be livestreamed at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81056630871 for those unable to attend the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-Charlotte Chapter, 4600 Park Road, Ste. 100, Charlotte, NC 28209 or to the Sabrina Watt Scholarship Archdiocese of Charlotte at https://www.gofundme.com/f/sabrina-watt-scholarship-archdiocese-of-charlotte

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Sue Howell Cypress of charlotte

    Fran was one of the most caring and helpful person I know. We became friends here at the Cypress. I will never forget when I had a bad fall in front of her building
    She is the one who came to my building, got my medicines and brought them to emergency room so they could make sure I was not taking a blood thinner. I was unable
    to remember what I was taking. She stayed with me three hours, talked with attendants and answered questions. She then brought me home. This was not long before
    Covid when they allowed people to come in the emergency with an injured person. She will be missed so much, especially by her Trivia team including me. God bless her
    and help her to see her beloved daughter, Sabrina

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  • Helen Maxson

    I was very sorry to hear about Fran's passing. I, and other DAR members, will miss her.

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  • Kenny McManus

    I had the pleasure of getting to know Fran the past three years when visiting my mom Sue Howell at the Cypress. They were both friends and Trivia partners. I joined their trivia team on occasion and would tell Fran I sure was glad to contribute my "younger brain" to the team as Fran most often was the only one on her team who knew the answers to the questions. She laughed at my jest. Fran was wicked smart, well read, worldly and down to earth. Mom always called her "one of the younger gals" at the Cypress, one of the ones who still had a fully functioning mind. Fran was compassionate, funny, amiable and earnest. She cherished her Boykins and found unconditional love in them. Quality times with her dogs and Cypress friends took precedence over having the most well appointed villa. She never aspired to be the best dressed at dinner or to have her Cypress home be on the spring garden or Christmas tours.
    Instead, she cherished nurturing others, helping friends in need and volunteering with Catholic charities. Fran found joy in the little things. I believe this is why her heart was so big and had so much love and space in it for others.

    Fly high Fran. God is fortinate to have you on his Trivia team!

    Kenny McManus, son of Sue Howell

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  • ann otten

    she was so witty and lovely! ill so miss her??God rest her soul- Sabrina and Fran are dancing in Heaven??????Bill: she loved you so

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  • Susan Durham

    Fran was a valued friend whom I miss here at The Cypress of Charlotte. She was always interesting, always smiling, and a brave soul, thoughtful and caring of others. My life was enhanced by having touched shoulders with her.

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  • Danny Loftin

    Fran and I were classmates at Gadsden High School; we both had wicked senses of humor and were friends. I moved to Nashville after returning from Vietnam when I received a job offer and lost contact with Fran and most other classmates. I recently came across her on Facebook where she was writing about pets and I sent an email and she responded with a humorous comment and we exchanged a few laughs just as we had back in Gadsden High School! It was great to find a lost friendship after many years! Needless to say I was shocked to find her obituary today (JAN 6) but I am so happy that we connected to continue our friendship. It is comforting to know she was still that happy and witty person that I knew in those GHS years when we were young and full of hope. Rest in Peace sweet Fran!

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  • Linda Levy

    Fran was an avid fan if the Carolina Panthers. We missed seeing Sabrina and now Fran at these games, The games will never be the same.

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  • Carol Lee Cathey

    Fran and I shared many things ...... mostly our daughters whom we love more than they know.
    It is with much sadness that I say good bye to a special friend. I know she is happy to be reunited with her beautiful daughter,
    Sabrina. My daughter and I will continue to honor Fran in many joyful ways. Fran would like that!
    I send you my love and hope your peacefulness is a great joy for you now. You will be missed. Peace, Fran!
    My love to you ........ always. Carol Lee

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  • Pat Crews

    I certainly never expected Fran to die so soon. She has been my client and friend ever since I sold them their Wildwood Spa on Hilton Head. My condolences to the family. She was a wonderful person

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  • Torrens Miller

    I met Fran thru her association with Allen Tate Realtors. I was a real estate appraiser and thru the years appraised many of her listings and sales. She was always professional, pleasant and had a great sense of humor. I kept up with her thru Facebook where she had post after post that brought smiles to my face and many a belly laugh. I know she is now in the presence of JESUS. You will be missed but, not forgotten.

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