

PEORIA ~ Sheila Marie Watson, 76, of Peoria, passed away at 11:05 p.m Wednesday, March 23, 2022, surrounded by family with her favorite Jimmy Buffett music playing in the background. Sheila was formerly of Pekin.
Born on September 6, 1945 in Orange, Texas to John and Mary (Everett) Kirkman, she married Jerry Watson on July 18, 1981 in Pekin. He died September 6, 2020 in Peoria. She was also preceded in death by her parents; one son, Thomas Axley and one nephew, Benjamin Elson.
Surviving are one daughter, Alissa (Aaron) Selburg of Dunlap; two granddaughters, Lola and Sylvia Selburg of Dunlap and one sister, Nancy (David) Elson of Godfrey. Also surviving are one daughter-in-law, Nicole Anderson of Jacksonville, Florida and her children, Lily, Natalie and Kelsey.
Sheila worked as a teacher and school administrator for Pekin Public Schools District 108 and also taught GED technology classes at ICC. She was an active member of the Central Illinois Parrot Head Club and volunteered tutoring GED students.
She loved Jimmy Buffett, the beach, traveling, good gin, cheap beer, and spending time with her friends and family. Sheila’s love of people and zest for life touched the hearts of so many and her absence will be deeply felt in the community.
Sheila is now in the great beyond lounging on the beach, drinking a margarita and soaking up the sun. As she would have said, “the weather is here, wish you were beautiful".
Her memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 2, 2022 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Her daughter, Alissa, will be providing the eulogy. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
A gathering celebrating Sheila’s life will be at McCritter’s in Pekin immediately following the services.
Memorial contributions can be given to Foster Pet Outreach, 10206 W Dubois Road, Edwards, Illinois 61528.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
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