Barbara Jo Watson

Barbara Jo Kendall Watson A longtime resident of Abilene, TX passed away on the evening of Tuesday September 6, 2016 at The Craig Senior Living Community in Amarillo, TX. The family will have a visitation at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene, on Friday, September 9 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Her funeral service will be on Saturday, September 10 at 1:00 pm at First United Methodist Church in Abilene, TX. There will be a private family interment. Barbara was born December 3, 1935 in Abilene, TX to Reverend A.A. Kendall and Lida Martin. She graduated from Canadian High School and McMurry University. She was married to Bobby Charles Watson just weeks before beginning her career as a teacher at Dyess Elementary where she taught school for 39 years. She was awarded as an AISD Teacher of the Year and was recognized by Dyess Air Force Base for her years of service. She was a member of the National Education Association, Texas State Teachers Association and Delta Kappa Gamma. She also taught piano lessons for 10 years. Her lifelong commitment to teaching in many forms was demonstrated in the diligence she showed to the success of all of her students. Barbara's life was filled with music from an early age. While growing up, she was regularly the pianist or organist during worship at her father's churches. She was the church organist at Elmwood West Methodist Church in Abilene, TX for 18 years. While teaching and music were an ever present part of her life, Barbara's dedication, love and commitment was at its highest for her children and grandchildren. A lifelong member of the Methodist Church, Barbara was a member of the Adult Bible Class and The Harvesters Sunday School Class where she often taught Sunday School. She was a member of First United Methodist Church for 40 years. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. She is survived by her daughter Beth Watson of Amarillo, Texas, her son, Brad Watson and daughter-in-law Kristina of Midland, Texas, and two grandchildren Karoline Watson and Adin Watson. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to: Providence Place, formerly the Methodist Mission Home, 6487 Whitby Rd., San Antonio, TX 78240, www.provplace.org. »(Do not delete this line. It does not print. Text that is to appear on web must be entered before this line)