Ruby Mae Watson

Ruby Mae Watson, 94, of Abilene, passed away on Tuesday, January 21 in Abilene. Ruby Mae, affectionately known to her family as “Sweetie,” was born in Oglesby, Texas, on May 20, 1919, and spent her early childhood years in The Flat. Her family moved to Abilene when she was seven years old and Ruby Mae graduated from Abilene High School in 1937. She received a half-scholarship to Abilene Christian College, where she attended for two years and met her husband, L. Arnold Watson, Sr. The couple was married on April 30, 1939, in Abilene. Ruby Mae served numerous Church of Christ congregations across the country as a preacher’s wife, Bible class teacher, and hostess. She opened her home to countless people and was known for her abundant hospitality, sweet demeanor and personal handwritten notes. Ruby Mae was actively involved with Christian Homes of Abilene in its early, formative years. She was a devoted homemaker, and also spent time working for Casual Corner and IBM. Ruby Mae had a passion for cooking and loved spending time in the kitchen, trying new recipes and perfecting favorite ones. Ruby Mae was preceded in death by her parents, Perry Morgan White and Amanda Lillian “Lillie” White; her brother, Perry H. White; and sisters Lehman Dixon Decker, Neva Lee Harmon, Mary Bucy and Glenn Barnes. She is survived by her husband of 74 years, L. Arnold Watson, Sr.; three sons – Lawrence Watson and wife Linda, of Old Hickory, Tennessee; Lorin Watson and wife Patsy, of Abilene; Jerre Watson and wife Rita, of Arlington, Texas; two daughters – Ann Ezell and husband George, of Wilmore, Kentucky; Linda Arnett and husband Jim, of Nashville, Tennessee; brother-in-law Lloyd Watson and wife Betty, of Long Beach, California; 14 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends. Family visitation will be from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday, January 24, at Hillcrest Church of Christ, 650 E. Ambler in Abilene. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 25, at Hillcrest Church of Christ with Terry Brown officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Memorial donations may be sent to Hillcrest Church of Christ’s Zambia Medical Mission.