It is with heavy hearts and deep love that the Watson family announces the peaceful passing of our beloved aunt, Mary Ann Watson Wyble, on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at her residence, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 72.
Born on August 11, 1953, in New Iberia, Mary Ann was the cherished daughter of the late Woodrow "Walley" Watson, Sr. and the late Sarah Jeffery Watson.
A lifelong believer in the power of education, Mary Ann graduated from New Iberia Senior High School with the Class of 1971 before pursuing her calling at McNeese State University, where she earned her degree in Education in 1975. Never one to stop learning, she later received a Master's Degree in Education from Louisiana State University and completed her Reading Specialist Certification at the University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1986.
For thirty-five remarkable years, Mary Ann devoted her life to shaping young minds throughout St. Martin Parish. She began her career teaching elementary students at St. Martinville Elementary and Stephensville Elementary Schools, where she spent twenty-two years nurturing and encouraging countless children during their most formative years. She later answered the call to educational leadership, serving as principal for thirteen years. Her dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to excellence earned her the distinguished honor of St. Martin Parish Principal of the Year in 2010, an accomplishment she treasured deeply. Thousands of students, teachers, and families were blessed by her wisdom, patience, and genuine love for education.
While Mary Ann's professional accomplishments were extraordinary, those who knew her best understood that her greatest treasures were found outside the classroom. She cherished every opportunity to spend time with her family and found peace in God's beautiful outdoors. Retirement blessed her and her beloved husband, Johnny, with countless hours on the water, where friendly competitions over who caught the biggest fish became treasured traditions. Her nephew, Woody, fondly recalled the many fishing trips they shared, laughing as Mary Ann confidently reminded him that she was "The Bassmaster" and he simply couldn't compete. Those moments were filled with laughter, love, and memories that will forever be cherished. She was also an accomplished deer hunter whose impressive trophy mounts reflected both her patience and love for nature.
Faith was the cornerstone of Mary Ann's life. A lifelong and devoted parishioner of St. Peter's Catholic Church, she generously shared her time and talents through numerous ministries. She faithfully served as a lector, Eucharistic minister, and dedicated fourteen years teaching in the parish's RCIA program, helping guide countless individuals on their journey of faith. Her quiet devotion and servant's heart touched many lives and reflected the love of Christ she sought to share each day.
Above every accomplishment and every hobby, Mary Ann treasured her family. Whether gathered around a table enjoying a home-cooked meal, sharing stories of years gone by, celebrating holidays, or simply spending an afternoon together, she found her greatest happiness surrounded by those she loved. Her warmth, kindness, infectious smile, and unwavering love created memories that will forever remain in the hearts of those fortunate enough to know her.
Though our hearts are broken by her passing, we find comfort in our faith and God's promise of eternal life. We rejoice knowing Mary Ann has been reunited with her beloved Johnny and all those who have gone before her. Until that glorious reunion, we will honor her memory by living the values she so beautifully exemplified—faith, family, kindness, and love.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her nephew and Godchild, Woodrow W. "Woody" Watson, III; her stepdaughter, Shellie M. Watson; her niece, Michelle Myers and husband, Steven; her nephew, Wayne Watson and wife, Jennifer; her great-nephews, Brandon J. Watson, Gavin Watson, Gunner Watson, Cameron Myers, and Randy Myers; her great-nieces, Sisciley Watson Fontenot and husband, Paul, and Sierra Garcia; her great-great-nephews, Jackson P. Fontenot, Elijah J. Fontenot, Garrett S. Fontenot, Everette J. Fontenot, and Lucas J. Watson; her great-great-nieces, Brooklyn A. Fontenot, Victoria E. Watson, and Yevella Herrera; along with numerous cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever treasure her memory.
She was welcomed into eternal life by her beloved husband and best friend, John Oliver Wyble; her parents, Woodrow "Walley" Watson, Sr. and Sarah Jeffery Watson; her brother, Woodrow “Woody” Watson, Jr. and her niece, Kimberly Watson Garcia.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Mary Ann's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at St. Peter's Catholic Church, with Rev. Fr. William C. Blanda serving as celebrant. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church from 8:00 a.m. until the time of Mass, with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 9:00 a.m.
Honored to serve as pallbearers are Woodrow Watson, Brandon Watson, Jackson Fontenot, Paul Fontenot, George Reeves, and Jacques Cousin. Honorary pallbearers are Elijah Fontenot, Lucas Watson, Garrett Fontenot, and Everette Fontenot.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Mary Ann's devoted caregivers, Ruth Hill, Betty Gonzales, Brooke Armstrong, and her dear friend Mike for the loving care and compassion they so faithfully provided. They also offer sincere appreciation to Julie Schexnailder and Mary Ann's wonderful friends from St. Peter's Catholic Church who generously transported her to appointments and treatments and surrounded her with love and support throughout her journey. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
Relatives and friends are invited to share condolences and memories with the family by visiting Mary Ann's memorial page at www.evangelinenewiberia.com.
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is honored to serve the Wyble and Watson families.
