Submit a PhotoAnthony Dwayne Watson Jr. was born at Mesa General Hospital on 10/22/1986 to Yosanne and Anthony Sr. Anthony arrived with both fists closed and his father took one look at his newborn son and said he was ready to fight the world.
Anthony was extremely intelligent and enjoyed Math and Reading as a young child. During preschool he was excited by the art of dance and loved all music but especially MC Hammer, he would watch the artist move for hours and quickly learned how to emulate his moves and was given the name “Boogie” due to his fancy foot work and smooth dance moves. He took pride in helping his young, college aged mother memorize her chemistry formulas prior to kindergarten and he entered kindergarten at Starlight Elementary School in Phoenix, reading at a first grade level which charmed his teachers.
As a young child, he enjoyed many sports and was even coached by his stepdad (Leon Massey). Anthony went on to Gilbert Junior High School where he continued excelling in
academics and joined the Gilbert Junior High Basketball Team and played two years as a power forward.
Anthony developed Type 1 Diabetes during his childhood, the relentless disease quickly advanced leading to a coma at the age of 15. He suffered residual brain damage from his
illness and was never able to continue traditional school. He did go on to complete his CNA certificate as he loved helping others and wanted to make a difference in the world.
Anthony enjoyed playing the piano and was inspired by his Aunt Tirzah aka Auntie Tizzy to study music. He enjoyed writing poetry, drawing and music as an adult. He had an infectious laugh and could tell the best jokes, he had a phrase or nickname for everyone.
Anthony is survived by his mother Yosanne Winston (David Winston), his father Anthony Watson Sr. (Sharon James-Watson), his siblings: Jessica Reed, Terrence and Deion Massey, Asia Watson (Karrie) Johnaton Watson and Tyrell James. His Aunts, Tirzah Silver (Andrew Silver) Jocelyne Torres (John Torres) Gabriel Fischer (Mike Fischer), Sandra and Stacy Watson. Great Uncle Ireland Hardy and Great Aunt Vista Hardy as well as a host of special cousins and extended family.
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Miss u so much!
Glad Aranya, Shauna, and I were able to help u through this.
My son before I had kids it’s a hard pill to swallow,I raised him to the best of my ability .I never considered my self as a stepdad.but I love him like he was mine
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I miss you. Your heart was filled with love, we had some of the best telephone conversations. No one can replace you. I will always love you.
We miss u, Anthony. Will see you again.
I wasn’t fortunate to meet him, but I knew his grandmother, mother, and aunts. I look at the Hardy girls as family, and practiced Buddhism with his grandmother and aunts in AZ. My heart goes out to Yosanne (Yoyo) and the rest of the family.
Keep his memory alive, and he will always be with you.
I heard so much about Anthony and your other sons during the time we worked together. Praying for your family.
In My Prayers.