Mabel Morine Bishop Watson was born on October 1, 1931, in Seale-Round Prairie, Robertson County Texas to parents Lola Reynolds and Goldman Bishop and was the youngest of four children.  She went to be with the Lord on May 29, 2024, while surrounded by her family at her home at the age of 92.   May 29th was a special date for Mabel, as it was her 76th wedding anniversary.

She attended Franklin Independent School District until her senior year when she transferred to Marquez High School, where she graduated Salutatorian of the Class of 1948.  It was at Marquez High School that Mabel met the love of her life, Ross Watson.  Ross and Mabel were married shortly after graduating and spent the next 58 years together until Ross's death in 2006.  They made their home in the Vanetia Community for 20 years and then moved to Marquez in 1969.

Mabel was a homemaker until 1975 when she went to work in the public sector for Leon ISD, the Leon Central Appraisal District, and the City of Marquez.  Mabel was a long-time member of the Marquez Baptist Church.

Aside from her work in the public, her greatest joy was that of a mother to her three sons and grandmother to all her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She could best be described as a person who was a wealth of knowledge, highly intelligent, incredibly even tempered, organized to a tee, and a fantastic cook. When entering her door, you were always welcomed and well fed.  She enjoyed reading and puzzles but her most favorite past time was her iPad.  She could be found playing games, listening to Willie or Elvis, or scrolling through family pictures or videos.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Goldman and Lola Bishop, husband Ross Watson, brother Bud Bishop, sisters Johnnie Winn Porter and Vivian Johnson.

She is survived by her sons, Larry Watson and wife Tammy of Marquez, Kent Watson and wife Sharie of Marquez, and Keith Watson and wife Elise of Marquez.

Grandchildren: Cary Sanders and husband Brandon of Alabama, Austin Watson and wife Dorothy of Austin, Lance Watson and wife Jennifer of Buffalo, Kirby Watson and wife Harley of Marquez, Corbin Watson, and fiancée Jayci West of Marquez.

Great Grandchildren: Connor White, Izach Watson, and Sage Watson

She was also the proud grandmother to 5 step grandchildren and 15 step great grandchildren.  She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, friends, and one special friend, Betty Hill.

The family would like to extend their heart felt gratitude to Open Arms Home Care, especially caregivers McKenzie Mutschler and Abby Duvall.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice Brazos Valley – 502 W. 26th Street, Bryan, TX 77803; Vanetia Cemetery - PO Box 151 Marquez, TX 77865, or Marquez Baptist Church – PO Box 209 Marquez, Tx 77865.

Services will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. at the Marquez Baptist Church.  Burial will follow in the Vanetia Cemetery in Leon County, Texas.  A visitation will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at McCauley Funeral Home in Franklin, Texas.