Mary Alice Watkins

She is also survived by her brother, John Long, and his wife, Debbie, of Belmont, North Carolina; her daughter, Jennifer Bodron, and husband, Donnie, of Kingwood, Texas, along with their daughters, Brooke, Hannah, and Jenna; and her daughter, Julie Martin, and husband, Chris, of League City, Texas, and their children, Kristen and Brian. She also had 3 great grandchildren.

Mary Alice grew up in North Houston and attended Reagan High School, where she proudly served as a member of the Reagan Redcoats drill team. She went on to attend Baylor University, majoring in Elementary Education and minoring in Religion. It was through a family gathering—a Sunday School party at Neal’s Aunt Elizabeth Vondy’s home in Sargent, Texas—that Mary Alice and Neal were introduced. Their friendship blossomed into love during their time together at Baylor. They were married on January 25, 1963, at Baptist Temple in Houston, beginning a beautiful journey that would span more than six decades.

After graduation, the couple moved to Webster, where Mary Alice taught in Clear Creek ISD while Neal attended medical school at UTMB. When Neal began his residency in Fort Worth, they relocated again before eventually settling in New Boston, Texas. Mary Alice loved her years in East Texas—making lifelong friends, embracing the beauty of the region, and actively serving in the First Baptist Church of New Boston, where she taught elementary Sunday School.

In 1972, Mary Alice and Neal moved to League City, where they built their home. She was the last remaining charter member of University Baptist Church in Clear Lake City, where she was a faithful member for over 50 years. For 25 of those years, she lovingly taught 1st-grade Sunday School and volunteered at Vacation Bible School every summer. Her deep love for the Lord shone brightly in her words and actions, and she touched countless lives by sharing her faith with warmth and sincerity.

Mary Alice had many passions that brought her joy. She was an enthusiastic Baylor Bears fan—especially when it came to women’s basketball—and she rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on her team. She delighted in supporting her grandchildren through their activities, from soccer games to cheer competitions, and continued to cheer them on well into their college years.

She also enjoyed simple pleasures: playing bridge with dear friends for more than 20 years, participating in a weekly women’s bowling league, and traveling the country with Neal in their RV. She found peace in the outdoors, watching birds and other wildlife, and loved getting lost in a good historical fiction book.

Most of all, Mary Alice treasured her family, especially her grandchildren. She found joy in nurturing their curiosity, teaching them to swim, and creating cherished traditions they will carry forever. Christmases spent baking gingerbread cookies with “Nana,” Easter egg hunts in the yard, hunting for the pickle ornament on the Christmas tree, and receiving a new ornament each year are memories her grandchildren will always hold close to their hearts.

Mary Alice will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her kindness, and her thoughtful spirit. She leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion, and gentle strength that will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the children’s ministry of University Baptist Church in Clear Lake or Second Chance Pets in Clear Lake City on behalf of Mary Alice Watkins.