Watson, Donna Johnson

Donna Mae Johnson Watson, 67, of Christiansburg, VA, went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday, August 4, 2010. She was preceded in death by her son, William R. (Rick) Watson, Jr. and her father, George A. Johnson.

She leaves behind her husband of 50 years, William R. (Bill) Watson; two daughters, Maria Watson of Christiansburg, VA and Jeri and husband, Pat Elliott of Blacksburg, VA; two granddaughters, Payton Watson and Nicole Irvine; two grandsons, Matthew Blankenship and Luke Elliott; one great granddaughter, Scarlett, her mother, Frances Johnson; and brother, Walter (Buddy) Johnson and wife Mildred of Mentor, OH.

During her professional career, she was President and CEO of NRV Human Resources. During this time, she served on the Gov. Douglas Wilder Employment and Education Commission. She was invited to The White House by President Ronald Reagan because of her development of a high school dropout intervention program. She developed training seminars nationwide on this program. She was selected Outstanding Business Executive in the NRV before her health and vision forced her to retire in 1995.

There will be no funeral or viewing. A private graveside service will be conducted at a later date.