With deep gratitude and admiration, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbia honors the late Dr. Dorothy Watson for her generous and compassionate bequest to the church. We celebrate her legacy in our newly formed Water Bearer’s Society, which recognizes those who plan for the future of our congregation with a legacy or estate gift of any type.

Dr. Watson was a beloved part of the UUCC community from 2005 until her death in 2024 and was recognized as an “Outstanding Educator in Language Arts” in 2002 by the National Council of English Teachers. She was known for her sense of humor and her dedicated mentorship of doctoral students at the University of Missouri. A respected figure in Columbia and a globally celebrated literacy education expert, Dr. Watson has long embodied a spirit of service and integrity. Her estate gift ensures that our church can continue its mission to foster open-minded exploration, spiritual growth and social responsibility for generations to come.

Dr. Watson’s contribution is not merely a financial gift, it is a reflection of her enduring commitment to the values that guide our congregation: love, justice, equity, and the belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Her generosity strengthens the foundation of our spiritual home and affirms the shared vision of a more compassionate and inclusive world.

We are profoundly grateful for her support and inspired by her example. Thank you, Dr. Dorothy Watson, for your vision, kindness and steadfast belief in the power of community.

By making a legacy gift to your church, you are investing in the spiritual future of your community. Your generosity will echo through generations, creating a lasting testament to your faith and devotion as well as making you a member of the Water Bearers Society. As always, the Water Bearers Society is interested in discussing any legacy giving questions you might have and has a website page about planned giving.