Mary Watson

Mary Watson, 72, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at Wesley Life in Des Moines, surrounded by her loving family. Visitation will be on Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church is Des Moines. Her funeral service will immediately follow her visitation and begin at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Young officiating. Burial will be at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines on Monday, September 30, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

 Mary Watson was born to Robert and Elizabeth (Thompson) Watson during the summer of June 10, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up in Batesville, Mississippi from the age of 2. Mary relocated to Des Moines, Iowa as a teenager with her family. Mary attended Roosevelt High School and graduated from the Class of 1970. She was self-employed as a Day Care Provider until retirement. 

Mary was a member of Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church. She participated in worship services and fellowship. Mary was a faithful student in learning about Christ. She absolutely loved Sunday School. Mary was dedicated to reading her bible and taking in the Lord’s Word. She took her bible reading so serious, that she slept with it in her hands. Mary also liked to collect figurines, especially if they were angels. 

Mary was very family oriented. She loved spending time and gatherings with her brothers and sisters. Mary adored children. She would always babysit for Anneshia and Kalil, along with her nephews. She treated these children like her own and helped raise them. Mary knew how to cook collard greens and potato salad, which was something you did not want to miss. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Elizabeth; son, Eric Jermaine Watson; siblings, Robert Watson, Corine Jeter, Sarah Bush, Terry Watson, Darnell Watson; brother-in-law, Archie Balentine. 

Those left to cherish her loving memory are grandchildren, Madison Ruge, Kalil Watson, Kamaury Watson, Teonno Watson, Zarae Watson; Siblings, Loisteen Balentine, James Watson, Willie Watson, Faye (Jerry) Jefferson, Florence Cephas, Melvin Watson, Alexis Bell, Lucy Titus; nephews, Robert Lee Watson III, Jeff (Crystal) Watson, David Balentine, Alex and Anthony Squire; nieces, Brenda Ballentine, Marhonda, Jay Hill, Regina Booker, Angela Ann (Micheal) Glaspie, Maureena Mae (Wallice) Summers, and Carolyn Ann Watson; daughter-in-law, Tineka Greenfield; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.