Velvia Mae Watts

Velvia Mae Watts, age 88, of Temple died Wednesday, July 28, 2010 in a local hospital. Services will be held at 4:00 PM Saturday, July 31 at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home with Rev. Lillian Hinds and Rev. Judy Gotcher officiating. Burial will follow at Bellwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be 6:30 - 8:00 PM Friday, July 30 at the funeral home. Mrs. Watts was born on October 2, 1921 in Olustee, Oklahoma to William Fred and Essie Irene (Cowling) Brinkman. She graduated from high school in Prairie Hill, Oklahoma. She married Richard L. (Dick) Watts on June 8, 1957. They were former residents of Altus, Oklahoma, Abilene, Texas and Sherman, Texas. They have been residents of Temple since October, 1973. She worked over 30 years in sales and clerical work. She and her husband were avid travelers. She was a member of Meadow Oaks Baptist Church. She was secretary of Renegades Bowling League for 17 years and served as president of NCO Wives Club in Taichung, Taiwan. She was also a member of Temple Garden Club, American Legion Post #133 Auxiliary, WIBC and Temple Bowling Association. She was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Corina Berrong, a son-in-law, Bill Murphy, Sr. and two great-grandchildren. Survivors include her husband, Dick Watts of Temple, two daughters, Gereta Murphy of Altus, Oklahoma and Patsy Esralian of Sherman, eight grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 17 great great-grandchildren. Also surviving is one sister, Ophelia Street of Altus, one brother, Edward Brinkman and wife, Peggy of Corpus Christi and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Bill Murphy, Jr., Bill Murphy, III, Dennis Murphy and Tim Murphy. Honorary pallbearers are Fred Brown, Max Gilliland, Chili Tucker, David Embry, D. L. Shannon, Alex Castillo, Robert Bowers and Forrest Walker.