Jean Watley

Jean Watley was born August 16, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois to Fred and Louise Watley. She was a teenaged parent at age 16, married to Earl Williams. She moved to Tacoma, Washington with her three children, Tijuana Troy Bebbs, Earl Fred Williams, and Leon Andre' Williams (Bearden) after the passing of her parents. She was raised by her Grandmother, Sarah Aree Thomas up until she was nearly 11 years old. She had one brother, Fred Watley (December 07, 1948- December 23, 201. an accomplished author.

Most of Jean's adult life was spent as a community advocate in organizations including Black Panther Party in Chicago, Executive Board of Pierce County United Way, Black Women Caucus; Tacoma Urban Policy committee chairperson, Tacoma Police Citizen Review Committee Chairwoman, Presbytery of Olympia Moderator and National Presbyterian Church USA moderator; Co-founded Destiny City Family Festival Parade, The Northwest Dispatch newspaper and Celebrity Kitchen cuisine; Women of Vision, travelled twice to Russia as an American Trainer; Pierce County Republican Party; Served as Toastmasters International District 32 Governor; Washington Women and Education instructor, Bates Technical College Dean of Instruction and numerous committee at the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges (WSCTC).