Melba Watson

Melba Leene Watson, 94, of El Dorado, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Hudson Memorial Nursing Home in El Dorado, AR. She was born on January 17, 1931, to Harvey T. and Thelma Lewis Roberson in Union County, AR.

Mrs. Watson grew up in the Maryville community and graduated in 1949 as the class Valedictorian of McRae High School in Mt. Holly, AR. She retired from the El Dorado School District, where she worked as an administrative secretary. Melba also worked as a bookkeeper for Gilliam Brother’s Concrete. She enjoyed working word puzzles and reading her Bible. Her grandson, Jackson, and her great grandchildren were the joy of her life.

Preceding her in death along with her parents are her husband, Kermit J. Watson; brother, Charles; and an infant sister, Julia Lynn.

Survivors include her daughter, Judy Martin (Scott) of Smackover, grandson Jackson Martin (Torey) of Little Rock; two great grandchildren, Barrett and Reese Martin and one on the way, Beau Carter Martin. She is also survived by a sister, JoAnn Roberson of Smackover, AR, as well as a brother, James (Syble), niece Ann McLeckie all of Longview, TX, and a great niece, Valarie Spiegel (Sam) of Dallas, TX. She also leaves a host of other family and friends to cherish her memory.

Graveside services, under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors, will be held at 11:30 am Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at McFarland Cemetery in Banks, AR , with Rev. Carley Davis and Dr. Roger Copeland officiating. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am at the cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice, 403 W. Oak, Suite 201, El Dorado, AR 71730, or to the Union County Animal Protection Society, PO Box 204, El Dorado, AR 71730.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at Hudson Memorial Nursing Home, Drs. Gary Bevill and Greg Smart, as well as Arkansas Hospice for the exceptional care given.

Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngfuneralhome.com for the Watson family.