Edith Frances Watson

She was born in Lubbock, TX on December 26, 1933 to John and Auvena Morton. She lived in Levelland, TX through High School where she met her husband Gerald Watson. From their time as college sweethearts to Gerald's death nearly half a century later, they built a life together filled with love, a devotion to the Lord, and an abundance of children.

Raising seven children helped Edith discover her professional calling. Between her experience as a mother and her many years teaching Sunday school, working with children professionally came naturally. She started by establishing a private kindergarten in her home in the years before sending children to kindergarten was standard, proceeded to begin a Christian Montessori school, and eventually worked within the public school system. In her years of working with children professionally, she continued teaching many children spiritually in weekly Bible Classes, particularly babies in Cradle Roll classes.

Edith's long-ranging influence is clear in the long list of beloved family members that survive her. This includes her sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Kenneth Basye and all seven of her children and their spouses: Suzanne and Robert Dennis, Larry and Martha Watson, Debra Hicks, Timothy and Susan Watson, Patricia and Jerry Robinson, Jerry Watson and John Watson. She also leaves behind eleven grandchildren and their spouses: Rob and Abby Dennis, Joshua Hicks, Kristen Hicks, Whitney and Jake Eversole, Daniel and Hannah Watson, Matthew Robinson, Jason and Paula Hicks, Stephanie Watson, Thomas and Stacie Robinson, Barrett Watson and Hunter Watson -- and two great-grandchildren, Kayden Hicks and Rilo Hicks. She was sadly preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, her son-in-law Mark Hicks, her parents, and her brother, John Douglas Morton.

Throughout all of her experiences, the major themes of her life remained a devotion to God and family. Her children were raised with the experience of regular church attendance and involvement. This has continued into their adulthood and has been passed on to their children. To anyone who knows her family or has attended a church where she was a part of the congregation, Edith's influence is evident.

While Alzheimer’s took much of her memory in the end, the many friends and family members whose lives she touched will carry on the memory of her in the years to come.

A memorial service will be held at Leander Church of Christ in Leander, TX, on Saturday, June 7, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. In death, as in life, we know Edith would want to do further good in any way possible. Therefore, In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in memory of Edith be made to the Bible education department of your local congregation or to the Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders Center - Neurology Department - Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.