On December 29, 1950, at Seton Hospital on Rio Grande Street, God breathed life into Virginia Joyce Rowell Watson. She became a living soul. Joyce was joyously welcomed into the world by her parents, Walter Allen and Hazel “Boots” Rowell. On August 18, 2018 her Father and Savior called her home to be with Him.
Her childhood was spent on her grandparents’ ranch with the animals, exploring the terrain, swimming in the creek, playing with her sister and brother, attending church and going to Vacation Bible School. She attended elementary school at Brykerwood, junior high at Lamar Junior High School, and finally, graduating from McCallum High School.
She was riding around, goofing off when she stopped at a red light. Two hearts connected, and she met her soul mate, Lawrence (Larry) Edward Watson. Together they made a home for 49 years. Joyce chose pediatric nursing as a career, working with pediatrician William J. Halden M.D. until her health failed.
Multiple talents and interests kept her busy, Christmas decorating was a favorite, ceramics, Jewelry making, flower design, painting, and gourmet cooking. She also loved raising her granddaughter, Paige Victoria Fetty Watson and the greatest dog, Rusty!
Joyce was faithful to work with children in Sunday school, served in Vacation Bible School and the prayer ministry-making calls and sending prayer cards while a member of Oak Hill United Methodist Church. As a member of Bannockburn Baptist Church, she enjoyed working with children during Vacation Bible School. She trusted in God the Father and Jesus the Savior.
In addition to her loving mother, Hazel “Boots” Rowell, Joyce faithfully cared for her family, and leaves as survivors her husband, Lawrence “Larry” Edward Watson; daughter, Gina Lee DePugh and her husband George; granddaughter, the pride of her life Paige Victoria Fetty Watson; brother, Walter Allen Rowell Jr.; sister, Marilyn Estepp and her husband James; nephew, Michael Estepp and his wife Deanna and their children; extended grandchildren that she loved as her own Wesley Depugh, Erin Patriquin and her husband Tom; great granddaughter, Alison “Ali” Depugh; and of course her faithful companion her dog Rusty, as well as many extended family members and close friends.
Larry cared for her day after day for many years and stayed by her side and held her hand as she left.
Joyce is predeceased by her father, Walter Allen Rowell Sr.; grandparents James and Virgie Farmer; grandparents Charlie and Oma Rowell; nephew James Allen Estepp.
On Friday, August 24, 2018, there will be a visitation with the family at Cook-Walden Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North IH-35, Pflugerville, Texas, from 5-8 p.m. A service celebrating Virginia’s life will be held on Saturday, August 25, 2018, at 1 p.m. at Cook-Walden Parks Funeral Home, 14501 IH-35, Pflugerville, Texas.
For those desiring you may also access the online guest registry and obituary at www.CookWaldenCapitalParks.com
