Ruby Mae Watson

1923 - 2023

Ruby Mae Watson

February 12, 1923 - May 20, 2023

 After 100 years of living by God's Word, the beloved matriarch of the Gentry and Watson families was called home on May 20. Cherished by her family, friends, and anyone who had even a passing acquaintance with her. She will be sincerely missed by all. She was known to her family as grandmother, great-grandmother, G.G., and Aunt.

 

Ruby Mae Gentry Watson was born in North Zulch, Texas, to parents, Robert E. Gentry and Mary Seay Gentry on February 12, 1923. Born into a family of 4 brothers, she gained sisters as each brother was married. She became the wife of John Cleveland (J.C.) Watson on July 19, 1942. Together, they had a son, Robert D. Watson (Bobby), and adopted a daughter, Pamela Kay Watson Leyerle.

 

Her husband passed away in 1966, her only son passed away in 2009, and her only daughter passed away in 2010. Even though she certainly was saddened by these events, they never pulled her away from her faith. She always knew God was in control and trusted Him each and every day.

 

Many would say that of all the Christians they knew, Ruby was a real one. Her faith showed in the way she treated others and how she lived her life. She was a strong and courageous woman that loved her family, church family and friends. She was a constant source of strength and encouragement for everyone who opened their hearts to her.

 

She worked for over twenty years at Woods Furniture in Bryan. After retirement, she worked part time in the nursery and day care of Central Baptist Church for decades. Ruby served faithfully in the nursery well into her 90s and cared for generations of families. She had a calming presence with children. Fussy babies would calm down when she held them, they seemed to know that with her, they were safe and loved. She remained a respected member of Central Baptist Church for over a half century. Ruby was a "second mother" or "second grandmother" to numerous people through the years.

 

The family would like to thank Ruby's sister-in-law, Ilene Gentry and her niece, Sandra Todd for their devoted care and loving attention to Ruby over the years.

 

Preceding her in death are her parents, Robert and Mary Gentry; her husband, J.C.; both children, Bobby and Pam; all four brothers, Dalton (R. E.) Gentry, Doyle Gentry, Norman Gentry, Charles Gentry; and sisters-in-law, Velma, Nan, and Billie Gentry.

 

In her legacy, she is survived by her son-in-law, Walter (Wally) Leyerle, and his wife, Kathy; her daughter-in-law, Susan Watson; sister-in-law, Ilene Gentry; grandchildren, Kristine Jennings and husband, Chris, Kim Johnson and husband, Chad, Kelly McClure and husband, Steve, Rachel Heathington, Erin Britton and husband, Tim; 10 great-grandchildren; multiple nieces, nephews, and a great many friends all of whom loved her dearly.

 

Ruby's Celebration of Life will be held at Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1515 S College Ave., Bryan, this Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at 2:30 p.m., with visitation at 1 p.m.