Mary Katherine Watson, 98, of Taylorville, peacefully passed away Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at her residence surrounded by family.

 

Mary was born September 24, 1926, in Taylorville, the daughter of Eli and Carrie (Sinkhorn) Bingham.  She married Ivan “Smokey” Watson.

 

Surviving are her children, Gary (Sue), Watson of Pana, Mary Kay Guffy of Nokomis, Karen Sams on Taylorville, Jerry (Angela) Watson of Taylorville, and Larry (Pam) Watson of Nokomis; her grandchildren, John (Autumn) Lamb, Scott (Kim) Lamb, Kara (Joe) Norris, Brian (Sarah) Sams, Carrie Sams, Dawn (James) Linn, Rodney (Carrie) Meyer, Gayla (Brent) Meyer-Dorsey, Kimberly Watson, Angela (Brad) Mansfield, Seth Watson, Michelle (Kirk) Pabolka, Kristy (Gabe) Cesaretti, Paul (Cassie) Watson, and April (Anthony) Atkins; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; her special friend, Lester Bruns.

 

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ivan; her son, Terry Watson; two sons in infancy; a granddaughter, Shauna Watson; a great-granddaughter, Grace Sams; her siblings, Erma Fernhaver, Billie Ruth “Toots” Reams, Charles, Norman, Carl, Robert, Wayne, Edward “Bud”, and James Bingham.

 

Mary enjoyed going on trips/camping with her lifelong friends Tom and Leona True.  When she wasn’t traveling, she enjoyed dancing.  She also loved to sing. She was a member of the Owaneco United Methodist Church. She would always look forward to family time, especially being around her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren.

 

The family will receive family and friends at Assalley Funeral Home in Taylorville, on Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. A funeral service will start immediately after visitation with Pastor Colleen Sterling officiating.  Burial will follow service in Owaneco Cemetery.   Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society.