Carl Anthony Watson

Carl Anthony Cooper, Jr., affectionately known as C.J., was born on July 13, 1995, in La Palma, California. He was born into the union of Carl Anthony Cooper Sr. and LaNea Rouse-Cooper. Carl was full of life, always bubbly and bright. He was truly a mama and daddy’s boy, cherished deeply by both. Some of their happiest memories were spent together as a family, playing with Carl and his sister Autumn in the swimming pool or enjoying quality time in the courtyard of their home. His mother loved hosting family gatherings, where Carl was doted on by immediate and extended family.

Tragically, his mother passed away when he was just two years old. In the midst of that heartbreaking loss, Carl was lovingly embraced and brought into the home of his cousin, Debra A. Watson, and her husband, James. They became his parents immediately, and he gained another sister, Akeia, who was already part of the home. They loved him so deeply that they formally adopted Carl and took on the family name Watson, becoming Carl A. Watson.

Debra and James gave Carl a stable, faith-filled upbringing in a Christian home. During this time, Carl accepted Christ at an early age at the Church of the Living God, The Pillar and Ground of Truth, in Los Angeles, CA. He was actively involved in Training Union, the Children's Choir, and Sunday School and participated in many Oratorical Competitions at the annual Holy Convocations. Among those early experiences, his strongest spiritual influence was his great-grandmother, MaeBell Harrison, whom he affectionately referred to as "Boo."

In his formative years, Carl attended Albert Schweitzer Elementary School. Although California had been home to the Watsons for many years, the family eventually relocated to Grand Prairie, Texas, where Carl completed his middle and high school education. While living in Texas, he also transferred his church membership to the Church of the Living God in Dallas, Texas, continuing his spiritual journey and commitment to faith.

During these high school years, he fully embraced and expressed his God-given gifts. Oration and music lit up his soul and became central to his identity. Gifted with the power of oration from a young age, Carl won several speech competitions and used his voice to uplift and inspire others. He also deeply loved music and channeled his gift for words into inspirational rap, writing poetic songs and performing mini-concerts to share messages of hope and faith. Both gifts allowed him to connect with people on a heart level, blending spoken word and rhythm to reflect his passion and purpose.

After graduating high school, Carl attended Oral Roberts University to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology. As life unfolded, unexpected challenges arose. When Carl learned that his mother's health was beginning to decline, his heart led him home. With deep love and a strong sense of responsibility, he returned and supported his father in caring for her. In doing so, Carl decided to continue his college education closer to home, enrolling at Dallas Baptist University.

On May 28, 2025, Carl A. Watson was called home by our Heavenly Father. Carl was preceded in death by his beloved Mothers’ LaNea Rouse-Cooper and Debra A. Watson; Great-Grand Mother MaeBell Harrison, Grandparents Ruby L. Gray, James and Nettie Rouse; Great-Aunt Lue Bertha Harrison; Godmother Patricia A. Reese; and Cousin Arron J. Rouse.

Carl leaves behind to cherish his memories: Fathers’ Carl A. Cooper and James E. Watson; Sisters Autumn L. Rouse, Akeia S. King-Harris , and Keondra M. Sherman-Nolan; Aunts Tammi Gray and LaVonda Rouse; Uncles Eric W. Gray, Terry Gray, Anthony C. Sherman, and Lawrence Rouse; Godfather Robert Reese Sr., Great-Great Aunt Bobbie J. Baldwin, Godchildren La’Anthony T. Sherman, Jaxon Day, and Lovee T. Cooper; Special brothers Jay K. Day and Derrion D. Harris, Special Cousin Marcus Baldwin, many cousins and host of family and friends.

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