Thomas Watson was born Thomas James Phillips on January 27, 1962 in Chicago, IL the only baby boy born to James Phillips and Laura McCoy-Phillips. He received his education from Bishop McNamara in Kankakee, IL. He graduated in 1980 and went on to Robert Morris College where he met Lorna Harbin who became his wife and the mother of his children.  In 1982 he changed his name in honor of his grandfather Thomas Watson.  On February 13, 1982 Thomas and Lorna married from this union were born Amber and Aubry Watson. They divorced in 1990 but remained friends until his untimely death. After the passing of his mother he was adopted by his maternal grandparents Thomas and Arlene Watson. Thomas re-gave his life to Christ being Baptist and joining New Eden Baptist Church under Pastor Liddell in October of 2017 with his significate other Cherie Smith. Thomas was always the life of the party, the kindest person that would give you the shirt off his back. His spirit could light up the darkest room. Thomas had a love for roller skating and music as a young man. In his teens he was the lead drum player in a group called Vice Versa.  His younger sister love to go to practice to hear the band play and sing Hot Butterflies. A few years later he discovered another love for repairing cars and radios. Over 40 years Thomas worked in various places such as Dumbar Transportation working on school buses and mostly as a private mechanic. Thomas was very dedicated in every aspect of life. He loved his Aunt/2nd mother (his mom’s only sibling) Sandra Gibson as she loved him. When she called, he came, he checked on her and she checked on him. 

 He leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter Amber Watson of Mesa, AZ his son Aubry Watson of Bolingbrook, IL and “daughter” Asha Smith of Chicago, IL his beautiful granddaughters Aaliyah Watson, Ayonna Mitchell and Aubrey Foster. His Aunt Sandra (Kenneth) Gibson of Chicago, IL. His sisters Drelis Crossley of Terre Haute, IN, Arlene (Reginald) Young-Taylor of Minneapolis, MN, Margo Phillips of Chicago, IL and Alisa Fluker of Hammond, IN. His brothers Andre (Tenisha) Wiley of Hammond, IN, Marc Phillips of Memphis, TN, James Phillips of Chicago, IL,  Winderlin (Jamie) Phillips of Matteson, IL. His significate other Cherie Smith and Special Friends Veronica Carr and Lorna Harbin.  He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. His parents and grandparents proceed him in death.  

A letter to my father: 

Every time that I came to see you, it was a light of joy to my eyes. Your smile will always light the room up and your personality was amazing that all my friends loved you the same way as I did. You are my heart and soul that will always be with me. We had a bond that no one could ever take away from us. You loved your granddaughters more than anything and they will miss you. You was my shining star and kind hearted father I could ever have!!! DAD I LOVE YOU AND ALWAYS KEEP WATCH OVER ME, AUBRY AND YOU GRANDDAUGHTERS!!! 

A letter to my brother: 

My brother, my heart, my headache. On Tuesday February 25, 2020 I felt as if I lost a big part of me. I was your Bonnie and you were my Clyde for as long as I can remember you were always there no questions asked. I was reminiscing when we would sneak in the attic before Christmas riding our bikes, the time we got stuck in a muddy field overnight when my daughters were babies. I never thanked you for introducing me to Reggie in 1978 now we want to say thanks. I still can't grasp the thought of you being gone. I thank God Reggie and I were able to give you a suprise 54th Birthday party that memory I will always cherish. You truly enjoyed yourself. I loved you in life and I will always love you, you will forever be my big brother. You will truly be missed. LOVE YA GREEDY GUT GOD'S SPEED

Dear Thomas,

We met 17 years ago we had a lot of good times together throughtout the sickness you were there to make me laugh I love you for that I appreicate you now you don't have to worry no more u in a better place I will see u again love u always Cherie.