Janina Watson

Obituary of Janina S. Watson

Janina S. Watson, a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her immediate family members on May 1, 2022, as a result of a long illness.

 

The daughter of Jay and Connie Watson, Janina grew up in Lacey, Washington. She was born February 25, 1988, in El Paso, Texas (Ft. Bliss) and attended Timberline High School. Janina excelled in academics and band. She graduated with a 4.0 GPA and represented the Class of 2006 as a Valedictorian. As a result of her academic achievement and community service, the University of Washington (Seattle) awarded her a full scholarship. Janina earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics, Class of 2010.

 

At the age of 22, Janina enlisted in the Air Force as a Personnel Craftsman. She valued this service highly and attained the rank of Technical Sergeant. As part of her nine years of service, Janina was assigned to Schriever AFB, Colorado; South Korea; Germany; and Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington. She was awarded the AF Commendation Medal, AF Achievement Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, AF Outstanding Unit Award with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Nuclear Deterrence Operations Medal, AF Overseas Ribbon Short, AF Overseas Ribbon Long, AF Longevity Service Ribbon with one Oak Leaf Cluster, USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon, and AF Training Ribbon.

 

Janina S. Watson is survived by her fiancé, Vincent Gannon; parents, Jay and Connie Watson; brother, Javon Watson; maternal grandfather, Yuen Fei Liu; paternal grandparents, J.C. and Beauty Watson; and a host of extended family members and friends.  Janina was predeceased by her maternal grandmother, Mao Chih Liu. 

 

Janina will forever be remembered for her quiet strength, humility, and love of her family.

 

A private graveside service with full military honors will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, Washington.

 

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local foodbank or charity of your choosing.  

 

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