Betty was born November 18, 1929, in Bernie, MO, and she lived a life full of family, friendship, faith, and service. Mom always made sure it was known that she did in fact pick cotton as a little girl. Knowing early on that she was not well suited for life on the farm, she attended college in Cape Girardeau, and post-war she was conscripted to teach in grammar school. The experience taught her that a career in education, like farming, was probably not a good fit. This led to a position at a local bank, which was her introduction into the world of business and accounting.
While growing up, her brother RC had a best friend, James Watson, who seemed to always be around the house. Coincidently, RC happened to be dating Betty's best friend, Fayeon, and the couples enjoyed double dating in high school. After enlisting in the U.S. Navy, James continued to write letters and send gifts from all the places he traveled. While on leave, James and Betty were married in 1950. Soon after, they moved to Tennessee’s Millington Naval Air Station.
Betty took a position as a typist on the base, which evolved into a satisfying and meaningful career. At her retirement, she was serving in the highest-ranking position a female could hold at that time, Manager of the Bachelor Officers’ Quarters, the first woman to do so. Additionally, in 1967 with the founding of the Federal Employed Women Program, she was chosen by the Navy leadership as the representative for the entire base installation in that organization. After ten years shouldering these very demanding responsibilities, she retired to spend more time with her loved ones.
Betty was a beacon to all who knew her, and she deeply loved and cared for her family and friends. She was an extremely active fifty-year plus member of the
Order of Eastern Star, Millington Chapter #385, where she served as Worthy Matron in 1965. She was also appointed Grand Warder in 1978 of the Tennessee Grand Chapter. Betty was also a member of the Past Matrons Association of the Greater Memphis Area, serving as its president in 1980. Betty was a member of Faith Baptist Church.
Following retirement, Betty and James traveled throughout the country, visiting 49 states together. At the time of his passing in 2012, they had been joyfully married for 63 years. Afterward, Betty's travels continued with her Eastern Star chapter visits, as well as many road trips and plane rides with her family.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, James Watson, by her father and mother, Clarence and Jane Pounds, and by two siblings, Elna Roach and R.C. Pounds, Jr. She leaves her three children: son Clay Watson (Sherrie), son Timothy James Watson (Ruth Page), and daughter Melissa Faye Watson Lukas (Thomas).
She is survived by her brother James Dale Pounds, and sisters-in-law, Neva Watson Hopper, Shirley Watson Satterfield, Mary Ellen Pounds and Shelba Watson Lewis.
Betty was incredibly proud of her grandchildren: Nichole Watson Gagliano (Tony), Jacob Watson (Lindsey), Brady Watson (Erin), John Watson, Heather Watson, Brooke Watson Lepard (Phillip), and Molly Lukas. She was also blessed with 12 great-grandchildren: Derek Helsley, Ryan Helsley, McKenna Watson, Sean Watson, Eirnin Watson, Jeannie Watson, Riley Watson, Holland Haberstroh (Parker), Willah Weaver, Sidney Hayes, Winston Hayes (Shelby), and Aubrey Hayes (Ashtyn).
Betty was known to many as 'Mom' and 'Mema,’ and her legacy thrives through all of the lives she touched.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 11, 4-6pm, at Memphis Funeral Home, 3700 North Germantown Parkway. Another visitation will be held on Saturday, November 12, at Hoggard Funeral Home, 142 North 3rd Ave, Piggott, AR, 1-2pm, with funeral service immediately following. The graveside service will be at 3pm at New Hope Cemetery, 7600 HWY 62, Pollard, AR. Long-time family friend and pastor, Gary Hancock, will preside.
By those so moved, the family would treasure a card or letter, which expresses a happy thought or memory shared by and between them during Betty's long and wonderful life. Cards can be placed in the designated box at the visitation.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralGermantownParkway.com for the Pounds Watson family.
