Shirley Jean Watson, 76-year-old resident of Doniphan, MO, departed this life Sunday, December 24, 2023, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, MO. She was born March 15, 1947, in Leavenworth, KS, to the late James Sidney and Evlina (Wilson) Neal.
A homemaker, Shirley loved doing things around the home, especially sewing and helping other people. Christmas was a special holiday, and she delighted in collecting ornaments for family members that they have cherished over the years.
On March 1, 1985, Shirley married Jack Watson in Doniphan. He survives. Also surviving are her children, Lucretia Dale of Couch, Angie Murphey of Poplar Bluff, MO, James (Tiffany) Clayton of Bardley, MO, and Gwen Cash of St. Charles, MO; a stepdaughter, Amy Melendez of TX; sisters, Sheila (Bill) Walters of Oxly and Barbara (Kent) Garrett of Paragould; brothers, Gary Neal and Larry Neal; grandchildren, Codey, Nick, Megan, Cecily, Shawna, Bridget, Jimbo, Tyler, Kyle, Lee, Destiny, Mickayla; great-grandchildren, Hoyt, Jaycee, Houston, Haven, Kai, Alec, Mathew, William, Natsu, Gajeel, Persephone, and Bradley.
Shirley was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Rick Dale; and a beloved pet Jethro Leroy “Gibbie” Gibbs.
Funeral services for Shirley will be held Saturday, December 30, 2023, at 1 P.M. in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel and visitation will begin at 11 A.M. Burial will be in the Bardley Cemetery.
