Mary Gorom Watson

Mary Martha Gorom Watson passed away on Saturday, June 25, 2011. She often said she had a wonderful life. Mary was born in the Annie Riggs Hotel, in Fort Stockton, TX on June 13, 1918 to Edwin William and Ladonia Ryan Gorom. Mary graduated from Fort Stockton High School. Mary was always proud to say she was from Fort Stockton. Since her mother had been in politics in Pecos County for over 35 years, Mary stayed in touch with activities in Fort Stockton and her life-long friends in that community even after she left. After high school, Mary attended Texas Tech. She married Robert N. Watson on January 14, 1940. He was the love of her life. Bob and Mary had two boys, and Mary was a stay at home mother. In the early years with Atlantic Refining Company, the Watsons lived in many small towns and villages in Louisiana and Mississippi. From 1945 on, with the exception of a short stint in Dallas, the Watsons made Midland their home. During this time, she was active in Midland Jayceettes. She was a member of several garden clubs, always enjoying her flowers. She was a member of the Midland Women’s Club, Green Tree Country Club, Eastern Star and Geowives (PBGGA). She also was involved in her sons’ activities. She was active as a room mother in North Elementary, Bowie Elementary, San Jacinto Junior High and Midland High School. She served in the PTA including being President of the Bowie PTA and treasurer for the District PTA. In scouting, she was a den mother. Throughout the years, Mary was a long and faithful supporter of First Presbyterian Church. She and her husband helped begin one of the first couples Sunday school classes. She taught Sunday school and was active in vacation Bible schools while her children were young. She served as the treasurer of the Women of the Church, Women’s Circle Chairman and several times as Circle Moderator. In later years she was active and enjoyed being with her friends in Prime-Timers. After retiring, Bob and Mary spent time at their lake house and traveling. Mary loved to travel with her husband both inside the United States and abroad. She enjoyed telling her family about the interesting peoples, customs and places they had visited. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Edwin, Jr. and Albert; her husband, Robert and her son, Robert, Jr. Mary is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, William and Patricia Watson of Midland; daughter-in-law, Linda Watson and grandchildren, Marcie Watson and Will Watson. The family wishes to thank her physicians, Dr. Shylesh Ganta and Dr. Gregory Bartha. Special thanks go to her long time companion, friend and care giver, Frances Ratliff, and to more recent care giver, Ness De Anda.