Obituary of Martha Luann Watson

Martha "Luann" Watson, 82, of Silsbee, passed away on Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at Christus Hospital in Beaumont, surrounded by her family and dear friends. She was a retired school teacher, librarian and a local business owner.

She was born on April 1,1936, to Kermit and Alma Dyche in Abilene, TX. Luann graduated from Fort Stockton High School in 1954, where she was crowned “Miss Fort Stockton.” She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Texas Christian University in 1958, where she proudly served as a Horned Frog Cheerleader and later received her Master’s Degree in Library Science from Sam Houston State University.

Luann loved learning and was always enthusiastic about sharing the love of reading and learning with children. She married Joe Watson in 1959. She dearly loved his family like her own and helped organized the Avants’ family reunion domino tournaments for many years.

She and her husband "Big Joe" moved several times early in their marriage, eventually settling in Silsbee, where they raised their boys and put down roots.

Luann was very active in many local civic and volunteer organizations. She was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church in Silsbee, where she served as secretary for the Cornerstone Sunday School Class. She was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Silsbee, the Silsbee Chamber of Commerce, Past President of the Silsbee Country Club, member of the Silsbee Little Theatre, patron of the Silsbee Ice House Museum, member of the ADK teacher sorority and a steadfast member of the “Texas Charm Sisters.”

Most recently, she happily volunteered daily for Silsbee ISD at Laura Reeves Primary School where the Pre-K and Kindergarten students and staff members quickly grew to love her.

Luann had a zest for life and her family was her greatest treasure. She never met a stranger and was always full of love and laughter.

All who were lucky enough to know her loved her. She was one of a kind and will be missed by many.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Watson.

She is survived by her sons, Joel Watson and his wife Darlene of Silsbee, and Brian Watson and his wife Gina of West Burke, VT. She also leaves behind her dear sister, Peggy Wiseman and her husband, Gorman of Midland, TX; grandsons, Darrel Jenkins and his wife Jessica of Brazil, IN, and Jarred Watson of Silsbee; great grandchildren, Emma Jane and Dean Paul Jenkins of Brazil, IN, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Her family will receive friends on Friday, April 27, 2018, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Farmer Funeral Home, 415 N. 4th Street, Silsbee, TX.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2018, at 2:00 p.m., at First United Methodist Church, 670 N 5th St, Silsbee, TX. Interment will follow at R.S. Farmer Memorial Cemetery.

Serving the family as pallbearers will be: Bryant Sheppard, Tom Eveland, David Avants, Mark Flanakin, Brad Daigle, Dale Boothman and Merlin Stark. Honorary pallbearers will be Fred Miller and Michael Martinson.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Children's Ministry of First United Methodist Church, 670 North 5th St, Silsbee, Tx. 77656.