LAKE CHARLES, Louisiana (KPLC) – A southwest Louisiana woman who became a lawyer at a time when it was unusual for women to pursue law school has died.

Sue Carter Watson died on August 17, 2024 at the age of 91.

Watson was born in Alabama and graduated from Louisiana State University with a law degree in 1959. There she met her husband of over 60 years, Jack Watson. The two moved to Lake Charles to establish their law firm, Watson and Watson.

“She was a pioneer in Louisiana and became a lawyer when there were no female lawyers,” said the couple’s only surviving son, Lake Charles attorney Wells Watson.

According to the American Bar Association, women made up only three percent of U.S. lawyers from 1950 to 1970, compared to 39 percent in 2023.

Jack Watson served on the Louisiana Supreme Court from 1979 to 1996, and Sue was his chief law clerk. The Watson family says that although Jack decided the cases, Sue wrote the opinions.

Wells Watson said that although Sue did not have the same title as her husband, she was certainly just as successful.

According to the Watson family, Sue Watson was the first woman to serve on a bank board and on a port board in Louisiana. Watson was a founder and original board member of Cameron State Bank and served on the Lake Charles Harbor and Terminal District board from 1967 to 1973.

Sue Watson was buried next to her husband and older son in Jonesboro following a private funeral.

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