Mary Jane earned a B.A. from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, a M.S. from Iowa State University and eventually assisted her husband with medical research while employed at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. She was a loving wife and mother, 4-H club leader, Cub Scout den mother, Sunday school teacher at Broadmeadow Methodist Church, animal lover and part-time mother to many children in Sherwood Forest, the north Jackson neighborhood where she lived much of her life. One of her “neighborhood sons” shared the following about Mary Jane, “She was such a kind lady who positively impacted many lives.”
She was the daughter of Leo and Mary Barnell and had 3 siblings, Charles, Barbara and Janet (all deceased). She was the wife of Dr. Robert L. Watson (deceased) and mother to 4 sons, David L. Watson of Canton, Dr. Donald R. Watson (deceased), Kenneth O. Watson (Shelley) of Houston TX and Dr. James R. Watson (Lisa) of Meridian. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.
Visitation will be held at 10:00-11:00 and memorial service at 11:00 Saturday June 6, 2020 at Parkway Funeral Home, 1161 Highland Colony Pkwy, Ridgeland, MS 39157. Social distancing will be encouraged at the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mary Jane’s name to the 4-H youth development organization at www.4-h.org.
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