Mamie Girdner Watson

Mamie Girdner Watson, 100 years old, died peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010. She was born in 1909 in Covington, Tenn., to the late George Andrew and Edna Elam Girdner. She was preceded in death by her husband, Doctor Herbert Sherley Watson "Doc", formerly of Weir, Miss.; and sister, Blanche Girdner Wright. Mamie graduated as Valedictorian from Briars Hall, Covington, in 1929. She graduated with honors from West Tennessee State Teachers College (now the University of Memphis) in 1932, majoring in Latin, math and music, and she also attended Peabody College at Vanderbilt University. In 1932, she moved to Earle, Ark., and met her beloved husband Doc, and the two were married in Covington in 1936. She taught English, Latin and music at Earle High School for over 35 years, spanning three generations of students. She cherished the role of educator and appreciated her students' faithful friendships throughout the years. A lifelong musician and music lover, Mamie played organ and piano from 1932 to 2003 at the Earle First United Methodist Church, where she was a member. She relished her years of service to and membership in the Crittenden County Medical Auxiliary, Earle Music Coterie, Earle Garden Club, Delta Kappa Gamma, Kings Daughters, University of Memphis Alumni Club (honored in 2009 as the oldest living alumna), United Methodist Women, Earle Bridge Club, and Daughters of the American Revolution. She is survived by two sons, Herbert S. Watson Junior (Margie) of Earle and George G. Watson (Susan) of Earle; six grandchildren, Herbert S. Watson III (Lesa), William Allen Watson (Kim), John David Watson (Kristy), Scottie Watson Bonadio (Jason), Leslie Watson Bright (Richard) and Robin Katherine Watson; nine great-grandchildren, Nikki Watson Sharpe, Herbert S. Watson IV, David Allen Watson, Hannah Grace Watson, Jessica Jordan Watson, Morgan Grace Watson, Mabry Elizabeth Watson, Price Andrews Watson and Gage Girdner Watson; and two great-great grandchildren, Sophia Reid Sharpe and Acey Parker Sharpe. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15, 2010, at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in West Memphis, Ark. The funeral service will be 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 16, 2010, at Earle First United Methodist Church with burial following in Crittenden Memorial Park in Marion, Ark. The family requests any memorial donations be made to the Earle First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund or the Crittenden County Museum. Memoria in Aeterna.