In Provo, on the morning of May 2, 2020, Tavia Lee Draney Woolley Franson and Ethan Rex Franson welcomed their eldest son, Watson, into the world. Immediately after his arrival, Watson wowed physicians, nurses, and family when he recovered from emergency resuscitation and looked out bright-eyed and triumphant. His indomitable spirit radiated far beyond the confines of his 4 pound, 15-ounce frame.
During his 10 days in mortality, Watson enthusiastically embraced every new experience. Despite the frailty of his condition, Watson played with every cord, pulled every tube, grasped every hand, tasted everything within reach, and won the heart of every NICU nurse. His handsome black eyes looked upon his parents with pure adoration: evidence of a bond that surpasses the veils of time and space.
After being embraced by his grandmothers and grandfathers, Watson laid securely in the arms of his devoted parents until his passing on May 11, 2020.
Here to honor Watson’s memory, are his parents, Tavia Lee Draney Woolley Franson and Ethan Rex Franson; his maternal grandparents, Undrea LaRae Draney-Woolley and Dan Marshall Woolley; his paternal grandparents, Mary Ann Franson and Rex Leslie Franson; dedicated uncles and aunts, Natalia Josephine Rich (Bryce), Emily Franson Evangelista (Willy), Alexia Rae Searle (Cameron), Bethany Ann Crowfoot (Strater), Michaelie Anneliese Woolley-Hallam (Justus), Chelsea Franson Black (Jonathan), Teijah Suzanne LaRae Woolley, Sienna Mariah Weber (Benjamin), and his namesake Gregory William Franson (Miriam); and a host of affectionate cousins.
Watson is preceded in death by his uncle, Leonard Kyle Franson; his paternal great-grandparents, Max William Franson and Ellen May Adams, and Eileen Felix Johnson and Leonard Haws Johnson; and his maternal great-grandparents, Shirley Johnson Draney and Dale Welker Draney, and Clarice May Layton Woolley and William Grant Woolley.
Watson’s family is grateful for the love and support of dear friends and family, as well as the excellent care provided by the NICU teams at Utah Valley Hospital in Provo and Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City.
A viewing will be held on Saturday, May 16, from 3 PM to 5 PM at Larkin Sunset Gardens. 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, UT 84092.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Watson via Venmo (@teamwatson) or PayPal (alexiasearle@gmail.com). Donations will go towards Watson’s medical bills.