Rebecca "Beckie" Watson Annonio

Rebecca Watson Annonio “Beckie” went to be with Jesus on December 17, 2021.

Born January 21, 1934, she was raised on a farm in Durham, North Carolina. Beckie was truly “Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm”. She enjoyed gardening, animals and her lifelong friends. She was very proud of her family’s heritage as a founding family of the Carolinas. Beckie is preceded in death by her father Artemas Watson, an Engineer, and mother Annie Laurie (Jefferies) Watson, a 6th grade teacher. After graduating from Durham High School, Beckie attended Duke University and graduated Magna Cum Laude. As an alumni and hometown girl, her love of Duke Basketball was a lifetime passion.

Following graduation, she began her teaching career in the DC area where on a blind date met her Prince Charming, Raffaele William (Bill) Annonio. Married for 64 years, Beckie dedicated herself to running the household and raising their 3 children: Laurie Wilkins (Scott) of Asheville, NC, Bill Annonio (Sandra) of Columbiana, AL and Carrie Barry (John) of New Fairfield, CT. In addition to her children and grandchildren, she is survived by her sister, Joanne Weston of Birmingham, AL. Beckie enjoyed endless volunteer years at the school libraries, being a Scout leader, singing in the church choir and serving her church families on many committees. She was a member of Groce United Methodist Church in Asheville.

The past 30 years, Beckie enjoyed family beach trips and visits in Asheville with grandchildren, Jessica and Amanda Annonio, Caroline Correa (Luis), Jack and Carson Barry as well as with extended family; Sydney, Brook and Walter Wilkins.

She had a strong moral compass and provided love and guidance to her family. Beckie lived her life by faith, family and furry friends.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at Groce United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to The Alzheimer’s Association. To donate online: act.alz.org/donate or mail donations to Alzheimer’s Association – Western North Carolina Chapter at 4600 Park Road, Suite 250 in Charlottte, NC 28209

Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family.