Clara "Mae" Watson Cruz, 61, of Raleigh passed away on November 11th, 2015.

Mae was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was a beautiful soul who left an indelible mark upon anyone she met. She was as an artist, a painter, a handyman and an all around general contractor capable of amazing works of beauty. She saw the treasure in another man's junk and transformed it into just that.

She was the kind of person you would call if you didn't know how to fix something, the kind of person who would soothe your fears and impart wisdom the way only a loving soul could do. She knew a little bit of everything and was always willing to lend a hand at a moments notice. She loved nothing more than an honest days work and to see the accomplishments of her hands. She could make your day brighter just by being herself. She was passionate and loving, sincere and honest. She will be remembered as all these things and more, for simple words cannot describe a life so full.

She joins her father Olen Watson, mother Nancy Lamb, son Michael Mann and brother Roy Watson in heaven. She is survived by her husband Ric Cruz, daughters Melissa Cruz-Parrilla, Corey Cruz-Corretjer, her granddaughter Alexa Corretjer, brother Olen Watson Jr. and Sisters Ann Fair, Ada Sorrell, Betsy Rose, Gail Johnson and Rose Black.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, November 14, 2015 at Montlawn Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 12:30 - 2:00 pm Saturday at the funeral home prior to the service.

Online condolences may be made to the family through this online guestbook.