Mary Jo Watkins

Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents and her ex-spouse, Donald Watkins. She is survived by her sons, Jon Gregory Watkins and Brian Keith Watkins; her granddaughters, Nicole, Charlotte, and Andie; and her life partner of 37 years, Ernest Chapa.

After graduating as salutatorian from Alpine High School in 1954, Mary Jo went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts from Pan American College in 1964. She further pursued her education and obtained a Master's Degree in Education from Our Lady of the Lake in 1976. Mary Jo dedicated her career to education, serving as a Teacher, Administrator and Principal in NEISD from 1967 to 1997. She began as a Third Grade Teacher at Coker Elementary School in 1967, transferring to West Ave Elementary in 1976. Her leadership skills were recognized, and she became the Principal at Colonial Hills Elementary in 1978 and Hidden Forest Elementary in 1983, until her retirement in 1997.

Throughout her career, Mary Jo actively participated in multiple district committees and community projects. Among the treasures she carried through her life are the many heartfelt letters of gratitude she received from students, parents and colleagues during her time in education.

In her free time, Mary Jo enjoyed cooking, gardening, social group activities with her retired teacher friends, and the satisfaction of knowing every holiday gathering was made special by her touch. She became an avid Spurs fan, and her skill remembering student names, faces and destinies was transferred with equal prowess to keeping track of every change to the Spurs roster, and following the lives of all the players and coaches come and gone.

Mary Jo will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.“My life has been one celebration after another since I was born.”

A private family service will be held at Bear Creek Cemetery in Bertram, TX.Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart or Stroke Association.